36-1 longshot upsets in Open Trot

Saratoga Raceway was the scene of a major harness racing upset Sunday (Oct. 2) in the $16,000 Open Handicap Trot as 36-1 Mark Of A Beast (Imagistic) was able to wire the field.

Starting from the rail and the longest odds on the tote board, Mark Of A Beast and driver Phil Fluet make good use of the inside post on a half mile track by leaving right out and leading to the first quarter in :28.1. Gigfy (Shawn Gray) was able to secure the two-hole trip but Goodashim (Brett Beckwith) was stuck first-over.

Going to the half mile, Beckwith was able to get in front of Gigfy to take the two-hole trip away from him as they headed to the half mile in :57.3. Mark Of A Beast was still in command with race favorite Dewey Arnold (Jim Devaux) first-over followed by Reign Of Honor (Billy Dobson).

Then just as Dewey Arnold was gaining ground in the backstretch to take on Mark Of A Beast, Dewey Arnold went off-stride and was out of the race. They went by the three quarters in 1:26.2.

At the top of the stretch, Mark Of A Beast and Fluet had no more challenges and he pulled away to win by three and a half lengths in 1:55. Bog Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) closed to be second with Goodashim third.

MARK OF A BEAST REPLAY

For Mark Of A Beast, it was his fourth win this year and the time of 1:55 tied his lifetime best. He is trained by Andrew Byler, who also bred him with Deborah Smith. He is owned by Homestead Trotters, LLC and paid a whopping $74.50 to win.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink