Saratoga Springs, NY — With no Open Pace on the card, a $15,000 event for pacers stood as the feature on the Sunday (Nov. 23) matinee at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
A highly competitive race went the way of Hunter Hill and driver Aaron Byron who moved first-over on the favorite who came in riding a three-race win streak.
First-half fractions of :27 and :55.4 took their toll on the weary leader, and Hunter Hill powered right by approaching the three-quarter pole. The Scott West-trained pacer surged into the lead just past a 1:24.4 panel before surging into a commanding lead around the final turn.
Rival Little Willy (Jacob Cutting) followed the Hunter Hill cover and closed sharply in the stretch before coming up a half-length short in a mile clocked in 1:53.4. Mr Huggins (Larry Stalbaum) came on to finish third.
Hunter Hill, who is owned by his trainer Scott West, won for the sixth time of the year. He paid $17.86 to win in the upset.
Live racing continues on Monday (Nov. 24) at Saratoga with a Noon first post.