Jimmy Devaux whacks Grand Slam at Saratoga

Harness racing driver Jimmy Devaux scored a grand slam on the Tuesday card at Saratoga Casino Hotel aided by a win in the afternoon’s feature.

The veteran reinsman, who has won three consecutive driving titles heading into the 2024 campaign, wound up inheriting the rail with Rocknroll Shelli in the $11,500 feature for fillies and mares following a scratch of the morning line favorite. Rocknroll Shelli had been winless on the season in seven starts heading into Tuesday’s tilt but did have a trio of second place finishes to her credit when she stepped up in company.

Devaux powered the 9-2 shot away from the gate and secured the lead traveling unopposed in a first half that went in 58.2. Longshot Truly (Billy Dobson) came first-over on the leader and those two battled throughout the second half of the mile before Rocknroll Shelli stopped the timer in 1:55.1 for her first win of the season.

Truly, who was dismissed at odds of 19-1, came up second-best while P L Princess C (Brett Crawford) earned the show spot.

ROCKNROLL SHELLI REPLAY

Rocknroll Shelli paid $11.40 in the mild upset and led an exacta and triple that returned $119.50 and $550, respectively. The winner is owned by Chris Lawton and her trainer Dale Lawton, both of New York. Devaux also piloted pacing mares Flames Of Fire, Hey Hey Dbay and Dancethebigdance N to Tuesday scores to complete his driving four-bagger.

Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a first post time set for 5pm.

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

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway