Stalbaum wins after returning from injury

After being sidelined almost eight weeks ago, Larry Stalbaum returned to the bike with a harness racing win in the $15,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday, Oct. 27, guiding Malibu Kid (Wishing Stone) to victory.

Stalbaum was injured in a spill at Saratoga on August 31 with internal injuries and multiple broken ribs. He made his return at the Spa on Saturday, Oct. 26 with two seconds before winning on Sunday’s matinee card.

Driving his student, Stalbaum sent Malibu Kid from the rail and to the lead. Dictating the mile with panels in :28.2, :59, and 1:27.2, Malibu Kid maintained a comfortable lead over the field before winning by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:57.3. Bluffiner (Jordan Derue) was second with Golden Kronos (Mitch Cushing) third.

Shark Racing Stable owns the six-year-old Wishing Stone – Malibu Seelster gelding as he recorded his fourth win of the year. In 28 starts this season, he has banked $79,150. He has earned $381,144 and 37 wins in his career. From 6-1 odds, Malibu Kid paid $13.80 to win.

MALIBU KID REPLAY

Stalbaum has 6,362 career victories as a driver and over $45.7 million earned. As a trainer, he has 1,487 wins and over $7.6 million.
Saratoga Casino Hotel resumes racing on Monday, Oct. 28 with a 12 p.m. first race post time.

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

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway