Andova Contessa takes Open Handicap Trot

Andova Contessa (Andover Hall) shipped to Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday (Sept. 17) and took home the winner’s share of the $16,050 purse in the Winners Over/Open Handicap Trot.

Brett Beckwith took the Jake Huff trainee to the gate in post four in the field of nine top trotters. As the wings drew away, Southeaster (Chris Long) and Andover Contessa battled for the lead. Southeaster achieved the rail real estate, but Andover Contessa was the first to hit the :28 quarter from the outside. Once Beckwith and Andover Contessa cleared the front along the pylons, they posted two more panels in :57.3 and 1:26.3 before charging to a 3-1/2 length victory. With a :29.4 last quarter, the final time read 1:56.2. Southeaster finished second and Yucatan Party Man (Billy Dobson) was third.

ANDOVA CONTESSA REPLAY

Owned by Rosalia Huff and Beauty Bridle Rac Stb Inc., the six-year-old earned her seventh win of the season and 23rd career victory. Andover Contessa boasts a career sum of $187,485. Off at odds of 6-1, she paid $13.40 to win.

Beckwith posted a driving hat trick on the Sunday card and Jim Devaux earned four driving wins.

Racing resumes at the Spa on Monday (Sept. 18) for another matinee card starting at 12 p.m.

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

by Jessica Hallett, for Saratoga Raceway