Saratoga Springs, NY — Big Box Hanover sprinted to the lead from post seven and never looked back in the first Open Trot of the 2023 season at Saratoga Casino Hotel, wiring his seven foes in 1:58.1 to take Sunday’s (Feb. 5) $17,000 headliner.

Coming into the race off a win against Open trotters at Batavia Downs a few weeks back, Big Box Hanover and trainer-driver Larry Stalbaum wasted little time powering to the front end. After enjoying a comfortable :58.4 first half, Big Box Hanover was met with a challenge from pocket rival Grinder (driven by Leon Bailey), who put in a brief bid through the final turn but came up a length short. Reign Of Honor (Brett Beckwith) finished third.

Big Box Hanover was a coast-to-coast winner in Sunday’s Open Trot at Saratoga. Melissa Simser photo.

Big Box Hanover, a 6-year-old son of Uncle Peter was was nominated for local Trotter of the Yer considerations in 2022, paid $10.00 to win.

Live racing at Saratoga continues on Monday (Feb. 6); post time is noon.