By The Book scores again at Saratoga

By The Book (Chapter Seven) has really turned himself into a formidable Open trotter this harness racing season at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Scott Mongeon-trained high-stepper scored a decisive win on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 10) in the $15,000 Open Trot to record his second feature score this season.

By The Book, a five-year-old, drew post five for his Sunday try and utilized his improved post to flash early speed and make an easy lead. His regular driver Jay Randall got comfortable fractions for the 4-5 betting favorite who cruised unopposed through a first half in 57.4 before opening up a big lead on pocket-sitting City Of Hope past three quarters in 1:27.

By The Book’s second Open score this year came in 1:56.2 by five and a half lengths. City Of Hope (Jimmy Devaux) was the longest shot on the board at odds of 44-1 but held strong to be second in the feature while Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson) closed to be third.

BY THE BOOK REPLAY

By The Book led an exacta and triple that paid $71 and $340.50, respectively. The Open winner is owned in partnership by Harrison, Barthelmas and Murray, all of New York.

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

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

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway