There’s no stopping Vel Mr Nice Guy

Vel Mr Nice Guy (Straight Shooting) was made the harness racing wagering favorite in the $16,000 Open Handicap Pace at Saratoga Raceway Saturday (June 25) and he did not disappoint.

The 6th race feature saw Somebeach Baron (Shawn Gray) take early control of the pace and stretched out Vel Mr Nice Guy and driver Billy Dobson to the opening quarter mile in :27.3.

Vel Mr Nice Guy then took over command and led the field past the half mile marker in :56.1 as Apex Seelster (Jim Devaux), who made a break at the start, coming first-over with Belmont Major N (Leon Bailey) second-over to the three-quarters in 1:24.2.

Apex Seelster kept up the pressure on Vel Mr Nice Guy as it was a three-horse race to the finish. Vel Mr Nice Guy did hold on to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.2 with a late closing Hudson Phil (Jay Randall) second and Apex Seelster third.

VEL MR NICE GUY REPLAY

It was the fifth win this year, four in a row for Vel Mr Nice Guy. He is trained by Melissa Beckwith for owner Alvin Schwartz of Indiana. He paid $3.40 to win.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink