Saratoga Springs, NY — Im The Muscle (Muscle Mass) was a decisive winner in the Open Trot on Sunday afternoon (June 30) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The Rene Allard trainee drew the rail for his first try in the $15,000 local feature and leading driver Billy Dobson sat behind the 4-year-old trotter.

Im The Muscle opened up a big lead around the final turn before stopping the timer in a career-best 1:54.3. Melissa Simser-Iovino photo.

Patient in the early going, Im The Muscle made his move past the half with the track’s defending Trotter of the Year Ulster (Jay Randall) on the engine. Ulster began to tire and Im The Muscle surged past and opened up a big lead around the final turn before stopping the timer in a career-best 1:54.3. Longshot Cartier Volo (Frank Coppola Jr.) charged hard late to come on for second while Cash Me Out (Mark Beckwith) earned the show spot.

After enjoying an 11-win campaign in 2018, Im The Muscle’s Sunday victory was just his second in 11 tries in ’19. The race’s even money favorite, Im The Muscle led an exacta and triple that paid $29.60 and $166.50, respectively.

Dobson piloted three winners on Sunday’s matinee card.

Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a special 5 p.m. first post. It is the annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks at the conclusion of the 12-race card. There are four series finals on Wednesday’s program contested for purses of $15,000 and $20,000.