Stalbaum’s stable star shines again at Saratoga

Rocknroll Runa A (Rock N Roll Heaven) did what Rocknroll Runa A does on Saturday night (Feb. 10) as Larry Stalbaum’s stable star won another Open harness racing pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

A winner of his final two Open tries contested in 2023, Rocknroll Runa A got his ’24 campaign at the Spa started with a victory in the feature on opening night last weekend (Feb 3). On Saturday, the seven-year-old drew post eight for his attempt at completing the local grand slam and Stalbaum, who owns, trains and drives the classy pacer, got him away mid-pack in the early going.

The race’s favorite Slip The Hundy N (Jay Randall) powered up to take the lead in a first half in 56 seconds in the $15,000 Open but was quickly confronted by Rocknroll Runa A who would slug it out with the invading favorite for the entirety of the second lap.

Rocknroll Runa A got the better of Slip The Hundy N in the stretch to move his local win streak to four after stopping the timer in 1:53.1. Slip The Hundy N proved to be a strong second while longshot Twin B Tuffenuff (Mitch Cushing) closed to finish third.

ROCKNROLL RUNA A REPLAY

Rocknroll Runa A was the 2-1 second choice in the wagering in Saturday’s win and led an exacta and triple that paid $17.20 and $353, respectively. Stalbaum scored a double when his Ashley Locaz N prevailed in the finale in a claiming event for pacers.

Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee set to begin at noon.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway