by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga, NY — Ulster (Glidemaster) continued his sensational start to the season at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday afternoon (April 15) as the Amanda Facin trainee won the Open Trot for the fifth time in 2018.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Ulster won the $14,500 Open on Sunday in 1:56.2.

Ulster made an easy lead in Sunday’s installment of the $14,500 Open and cruised through a first half in :58.3 while traveling unopposed. Crazycat (Bruce Aldrich Jr.), last week’s feature winner, came from last in the five-horse field and pestered the favored leader for the majority of the second half before Ulster drew off late to win in 1:56.2 over a track labeled ‘good.’

Crazycat is in the midst of his breakout season as well as he added a second place finish to his resume on Sunday while Twisted Pretzel (Jim Devaux) earned the show spot. Ulster, the race’s 4-5 betting favorite, was driven to victory by Jay Randall.

Live racing resumes on Thursday afternoon at Saratoga as the first leg of the John Mongeon Sr. Memorial Trotting Series highlights the 12-race card. First post time is set for 12:15 p.m.