Saratoga Springs, NY — After runner-up efforts in his first three starts at Saratoga Casino Hotel, Belmont Royale N sustained a first-over attack to take Saturday’s (April 18) $16,500 Open Pace in 1:51.4, the fastest mile of the meet to date.
Long shot Hunter Hill (driven by Leon Bailey) worked hard in the early going to establish the lead, and after checking in at the half in :55.3, he was confronted by Belmont Royale N and driver Aaron Byron, who powered to the lead through a :27.1 third quarter. Favorite Mydadsaid A (Jacob Cutting) gained a bit of ground around the final turn, but proved to be no match for Belmont Royale N, who won by 1-3/4 lengths. Mydadsaid A was the runner-up; Hunter Hill held on for third.
Belmont Royale N, an earner of more than $370,000 in his career, is ownedby Archie McNeil and Bill O’Donnell. The 9-year-old son of Betterthancheddar gave trainer Melissa Beckwith one of her three wins on the card together with Byron, also combining to win with Heisman Player, who recorded a decisive score in a $12,500 claiming pace, and Literl Lad Hanover, who overcame post 8 to take the finale and record his fourth consecutive win.
Live racing at Saratoga continues on Sunday (April 19) and will feature a $5,209 carryover in the early Pick-5, a 50-cent bet which covers the first five races on the card. First post is noon.