Saratoga Springs, NY — Big Box Hanover and Matthew Athearn found themselves on the outside for majority of the mile that led them to victory in the $15,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap Trot on Sunday (Nov. 19) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Athearn eased the Larry Stalbaum student into fifth from post five as the first panel was clicked in :27.1 by Esa (Mitchell Cushing). Favored Dewey Arnold (Jim Devaux) was the first to the outside en route to the :57 half and Big Box Hanover followed his path. Duckdodgendive (Brett Beckwith) pulled the pocket on the way to the three-quarters in 1:26.1 and Yucatan Party Man (Billy Dobson) followed. Dewey Arnold’s bid began to falter, forcing Big Box Hanover three-wide up the backstretch. Duckdodgendive had the lead in the final turn, followed by Yucatan Party Man and then Big Box Hanover. Down the lane, Big Box Hanover maneuvered towards the outside to sprint to a 1-1/4-length victory in 1:56.3. Duckdodgendive had to settle for second and Yucatan Party Man rounded out the top three.

Big Box Hanover endured an overland journey en route to victory in Sunday’s top trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Jessica Hallett photo.

Stalbaum owns the 6-year-old gelded son of Uncle Peter as he earned his ninth victory of the season and 43rd career victory. He pushed his lifetime bankroll to $612,171. As the 7-2 third choice, Big Box Hanover paid $9.20 to win.

Saratoga Casino Hotel resumes racing on Monday (Nov. 20) with a first post of 12 noon. Upcoming featured events at the Spa include the Harness Racing for a Cause event on Dec. 3 to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. The event will feature pictures with Santa, raffle baskets, and a food truck.