by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Twisted Pretzel (Crazed) won his first career open trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday (June 11) afternoon.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Twisted Pretzel wins his first open event at Saratoga on Sunday afternoon.

he Scott Mongeon trained 7-year-old came into the race off back-to-back victories and was assigned post position two in the $13,000 feature. Invader J A T O (Stephane Bouchard) moved out to the early lead and held that advantage until turning for home. That’s when Twisted Pretzel stepped on the gas and powered past J A T O en route to his sixth win of the season.

Jimmy Devaux piloted the trotter to each of his three most recent scores. The race’s favorite Boli (Wally Hennessey) came flying in the stretch but was too late to get the job done and had to settle for second while J A T O held to settle for third.

Twisted Pretzel, whose win came in 1:55.3, paid $19.60 in the upset. The exacta and triple came back $74.50 and $207, respectively.

Live racing resumes on Thursday with a matinee set to begin at 12:15 p.m.