Gate-to-wire for Skyway Victor in Open

Skyway Victor (Tellitlikeitis) has been impressive for his new connections in the early stages of the 2022 harness racing campaign at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Acquired this offseason by owners Mark Eaton and Robert Griffin, Skyway Victor won his Spa debut when he went coast-to-coast in 1:55 to prevail in a $13,000 Winners Over for pacers on February 19th.

After not factoring while starting from post eight in his first try in the Open, Skyway Victor drew post six for Saturday’s start in the $15,000 Open Pace.

Driver Jay Randall found early speed from the four-year-old pacer who got to the first quarter in 28 seconds before reaching the half in 57 seconds flat.

The race’s favorite Belmont Major N (Shawn Gray) was making his local debut and he stormed up to challenge the leader approaching the three-quarter pole but Skyway Victor would not be denied. The Eaton trainee dug in and finished in a 27.3 final quarter en route to victory in 1:53, the fastest mile of the season for any horse at the Spa thus far.

Belmont Major N was the runner-up in his first local try while Crockets Cullen N (Larry Stalbaum) earned the show spot.

The winner paid $6.90 to win and led an exacta and triple that came back $14 and $49.20, respectively.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee that kicks off at noon.

For full race results, click here.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway