by Shelley Blake, for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — The Battle of Saratoga continued on Saturday night (April 21) at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway with three $10,000 divisions of the first leg of the Bruce Hamilton Pacing Series.

Canadian import Look At The Speed lived up to his name in the first division. Trainer-driver Jay Randall was content to sit with his charge until the half when the duo made a first-over bid on pacesetter Dark Sign, who appeared to be well in hand. But Look At The Speed charged home in :29, besting out favorite Dark Sign by a length in 1:55.3. Basilio Blue Chip followed the winner’s cover to a third place finish.

In the second division, Collateral Damage and John Stark, Jr. also pulled off an upset in the stretch to beat post time favorites Eckstrom and Brian Cross by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:55.3. It was the 3-year-old’s second win in five attempts.

There were no surprises in the final division. Heavily favored Shyguy and Brian Allen were hung out past the opening quarter by Singlemaltwhiskey, but secured the lead before the half. Although pressured the entire mile, Shyguy never faltered, winning by a half length over late surging Pacey Deucey. The mile, paced in 1:55.1, was also the fastest of the three divisions. Trained by Dennis Batty, Shyguy is now six for 10.

On the night, driver Brian Allen was an impressive five for 10, while fellow driver Jay Randall had four winners, including Morocco in the second division of the Open Pace.

In the $17,000 Open, nobody could keep trainer-driver Ray Schnittker from the winner’s circle. Having previously raced in Yonkers and the Meadowlands, Tuffofthetoughest was exactly that, grabbing the lead from the gate while stuffing Gimmebackmybullets, leaving from post eight, into the pocket. The 4-year-old wasn’t challenged again, winning by 1-1/4 lengths over Gimmebackmybullets in 1:54. Whelan Mike got up for third.

Racing resumes on Wednesday (April 25) at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. Post time is 7:00 p.m.