Saratoga Springs, NY — City Of Hope was named 3-year-old Trotter of the Year at Saratoga Casino Hotel in 2023. The Dave Dewhurst-trained trotter enjoyed a 14-win sophomore campaign heading into the ’24 season in which he has been competing in large part in Opens.

City Of Hope would prove to be too tough in a mile clocked in 1:56.4. Jessica Hallett photo.

On Saturday evening (June 8), the 4-year-old was the 3-5 betting favorite in the $15,000 feature for trotters. Driver Jimmy Devaux moved the talented high-stepper out to the early lead and never looked back.

City Of Hope coasted unopposed through a first half in a leisurely :58.2 and though a first-over Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson) toughed it out and posed a mild threat to the favored leader, City Of Hope would prove to be too tough in a mile clocked in 1:56.4. Comeonover Hanover fought gamely before finishing second while dismissed at odds of 11-1. Malibu Kid (Matt Athearn) closed to finish third.

City Of Hope’s Saturday score was his third on the season, but first in the Saratoga Open Trot. The winner paid $3.40 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $41.40 and $202.50, respectively.

City Of Hope is owned in partnership by Philip Hale and trainer Dave Dewhurst.

Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee that is set to kick off at noon.