Yonkers invader takes Open Pace at The Spa

A Yonkers Raceway invader making his local harness racing debut won Saturday’s (Dec. 3) Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The Jared Bako-trained Lou’s Sweetrevenge  (Sweet Lou) came in off close to a month layoff and drew post six for his first try in the $16,000 Open at the Spa. Leon Bailey picked up the catch-drive behind Lou’s Sweetrevenge and sat patiently in the early going as last week’s Open winner Nuttin But Finesse (Luke Hanners) carved out first-half fractions of 27.4 and 58.2.

Co-favored at odds of 5-2, Lou’s Sweetrevenge picked up cover and tipped off that cover heading to the three-quarter pole.

In the meantime, Lou’s co-favorite Moonshine Kisses (Jay Randall) began to rev up his engine after getting away last in the eight-horse feature. Moonshine Kisses was still seventh at the top of the stretch as Lou’s Sweetrevenge began to wear down the leader en route to what would be a 1:55 victory over a track labeled ‘sloppy’.

Moonshine Kisses came up second-best for the second straight week in the Open while Nuttin But Finesse held on for third.

LOU’S SWEETREVENGE REPLAY

The winner paid $7.40 and led an exacta and triple that returned $33.80 and $135, respectively. Lou’s Sweetrevenge, who is owned by Lady I Racing of Bonita Springs, FL, moved his career earnings to over the $400,000 mark with Saturday’s win which was his ninth of the season.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a first post time set for noon.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway