Saratoga Springs, NY – Leon Bailey recorded a driving grand slam on the Tuesday (March 24) card at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Bailey, who has gotten his season off to a strong start, guided a pair of winners for trainer Amanda Bailey including one in the featured race for colt and gelding pacers.
Pestcontrol (Schoolkids) stepped up in company for Tuesday’s try following a decisive victory last week in the non-winners of two race lifetime condition. Dismissed at odds of 42-1 in the $10,750 feature on Tuesday, Pestcontrol left to sit the pocket to I’m A Papi Hanover (Matthew Athearn), who powered out early to overcome his outside post and cut the mile through fractions of :27.4, :58.1 1:27.
Bailey sat in the two-hole until he tugged on the right line as they reached the backstretch for the final time. When he did, Pestcontrol meant business and powered away from the competition before stopping the timer in 1:56.2 en route to the upset score.
I’m A Papi Hanover held strong for second in the feature while Gibby (Kyle Swift) earned the show spot in his debut in the class.
The score with Pestcontrol was the second on the card for the Baileys whose Star Pilot made good earlier on the day in a low-level conditional trot. Both Amanda Bailey trainees are owned by Adam Friedland of Brooklyn, NY.
Leon also won with Prince of Terror for Brett Derue and Woodside Gabe for Joseph Facin Jr on the 11-race card.
Live racing resumes on Saturday (March 28) with a matinee that begins at noon.