Back-to-back upset wins in Saratoga Open

Slip The Hundy N (Lincoln Royal) sprung the upset for the second consecutive Saturday night at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Rob Harmon-trained pacer prevailed in the Open last week (Sept 28) while making his debut in the local feature.

On Saturday night, Slip The Hundy N was once again piloted by Jay Randall when he got away last in the $15,000 Open Pace. The speed sizzled up front and when the favorite was confronted by a first-over Ahi Sunshine (Brett Beckwith), the table was set for the race’s closers.

Ahi Sunshine paced his third quarter in 27.3 as he collared the leader to take control in 1:24 before Randall tipped Slip The Hundy N to the far outside around the final turn.

When he reached the payoff path, Ahi Sunshine was desperate to hold off the late bid from the 12-1 longshot Slip The Hundy N and in the end was bested by the Harmon trainee in a mile clocked in 1:53.1.

Slip The Hundy N was seventh and last at the three-quarter pole but emerged victorious when he prevailed in the feature’s photo finish. Ahi Sunshine finished as the runner-up while Alluneedisfaith N (Shawn Gray) came on to be third.

SKIP THE HUNDY N REPLAY

Slip The Hundy N ($26.00) led an exacta and triple that returned $163 and $1,697 (on $2 wagers), respectively. The back-to-back Open winner, who has tallied nine victories now in 2024, is owned by Mike Casalino Jr.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee that begins at 12 noon.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway