A winning return to the Spa for Jericho

Jericho (Credit Winner) prevailed in Thursday's harness racing feature for New York Sired trotters at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

The three year old was recently purchased by Linda Kenney and the DiStefano & Son Stable of Massachusetts following a season in the New York Sires Stakes.

Competing mostly in the Excelsior Series, Jericho had a solid summer and followed up his stint in the Excelsior with a win for new connections in a $20,000 trotting event at Yonkers Raceway in September.

On Thursday, Jericho made his return to the Spa and was the public's 4-5 betting favorite while starting from the rail.

Driver Mark Beckwith moved the favorite out to the early lead before withstanding a tenacious first-over bid from fellow Excelsior participant Nono Lindy (Frank Coppola Jr).

Jericho drew clear of that rival late in the mile and hit the wire first in 1:58.4.

The three year old's victory was his fifth in eleven career tries.

Nono Lindy finished second while longshot Camp Speedy (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot in the $11,250 feature for trotters.

Live racing continues on Friday with first post time set for 6:45pm.

Mike Sardella