by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Uncle Dan (Conway Hall) set a new lifetime mark in Thursday’s (June 29) feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Uncle Dan sets a new lifetime mark of 1:57.4 at Saratoga on Thursday.

The 4-year-old trotter has thrived since moving to the barn of trainer Jaymes Mcassey in late May. After prevailing in the first start out of his new barn on May 25, Uncle Dan had hit the board three more times in four starts heading into Thursday’s try in the $9,300 feature for New York-sired trotters.

Starting from the inside post, Uncle Dan moved out to the early lead and never had an anxious moment before stopping the timer in 1:57.4, lowering his previous career mark by better than two seconds. Billy Dobson piloted the race’s 9-5 second choice in the wagering.

Take The Cash (Jim Devaux) was the race’s favorite and came up second best while Thanks For Playin (Dan Cappello Jr) earned the show spot.

Live racing continues on Friday evening at Saratoga with a first post time scheduled for 6:45 p.m.