$36,900 Gary Kamal Memorial to Rock Solid Express

The ninth annual Gary Kamal Memorial Pacing Series Final served as the Saturday (Oct. 28) harness racing feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Rock Solid Express (Huntsville) came in as the one to beat after prevailing in leg two and three of the series following a runner-up try in the first leg. Wally Hennessey has been piloting the Jessico Okusko-trained pacer and has thrived when sitting behind the speedy sophomore.

Rock Solid Express was the public’s even money favorite in the $36,900 Final and wasted little time moving out to a 27.1 first quarter before getting a breather. The three-year-old clicked off a first half in 57.3 and remained comfortable on the lead until pocket-sitting Twin B Kingston (Matt Athearn) moved to confront him around the final turn.

Twin B Kingston was the runner-up to Rock Solid Express when they squared off in leg three and looked to be a big danger to the favorite in the stretch before having to settle for second-best when Rock Solid Express dug in to win in 1:54.1.

ROCK SOLID EXPRESS REPLAY

The Okusko trainee moved his record to five-for-five when Hennessey has been in the sulky. Twin B Kingston was the back-half of a $25.20 exacta while Hunky Hanover (Phil Fluet) rounded out a triple that paid $88.50. Rock Solid Express is owned by James De Armond and David Towne, both of New York.

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

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway