by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga
Saratoga Springs, NY — Aberforth (Andover Hall) swooped the group to win the fourth annual Jim Derue Memorial Trotting Series final on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 23) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Melissa Simser-Iovino photo
Aberforth won the fourth annual Jim Derue Memorial Trotting Series final.
The Francis Mahoney-trained 4-year-old was the 9-5 top choice in the wagering in the $32,200 final and his backers couldn’t have been encouraged when the young trotter spotted the field about 10 lengths in the early going as he gapped throughout a first half that went in :58.2.
Driver Shawn Gray asked Aberforth for his best down the backstretch and the razor sharp highstepper responded, surging up alongside leader Iwantmytwodollars (Jim Devaux) before bypassing that one en route to victory in 1:59 on a chilly, windy afternoon in Saratoga. Longshot Strong Crazed (Stephane Bouchard) finished second while Mugshots Bro (Mark Beckwith) came on for third.
The exacta and triple paid $108 and $601, respectively.
Aberforth, who is owned by Ali Kilpatrick, adds his name to the list of previous Derue Memorial winners which includes Jelectric, The Lindy Treaty and Showmeyourguns.
Grand Vision set a lifetime mark to win the $15,000 Jim Derue Memorial consolation in 1:59.1 with Frank Coppola Jr. in the sulky.
Live racing resumes at Saratoga on Thursday afternoon with a first post time set for 4 p.m.