The contenders in the highly competitive field included last weeks upset winner, Bit O Victory, the previous weeks winner, Promising Angel–who has won her previous four Open trots at Saratoga, old-timer Onomatopoeia–a 10-year-old that boasts 2 wins and 2 seconds in his last 5 Open tries, the invader, Armbro Barrister, fresh off a win in the $50,000 Carney final at Rockingham, and four other contenders looking to upset.

The gate left and a cavalry charge ensued with five horses all vying for the lead. Promising Angel and Denis St. Pierre left from pp 8 and earned a hard-fought lead three-wide past a speedy 27.2 opening quarter.

The field settled in behind the mare with the exception of Armbro Barrister, hung out in fifth. But Schnittker and his charge advanced steadily on the leader past a 57.4 half.

Down the backstretch for the final time, Promising Angel began to tire, giving way to Armbro Barrister, who never looked back.

Armbro Barrister, the post-time favorite, stopped the timer at 1:57, 2-3/4 lengths ahead of longshots Jason Will and Kyle DiBenedetto. Inittogether finished third.

Owned by Schnittker, Kelk’s Inc. and Scheelar, Armbro Barrister’s win gives him 10 in 23 starts this season.

Racing resumes Saturday night, September 8th, at Saratoga. Post time is 7pm.