by Michael Costanzo, simulcast manager, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Clearaway once again displayed his fondness for the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway oval on Friday, June 20, visiting the winner’s circle for the second straight time after leading every step of the way en route to a 1:57 victory in the featured $15,000 Open Trot.

Dave Oxford photo

Clearaway cruised under the wire unchallenged to take the $15,000 Open Trot on Friday in 1:57.

Driven from post three by Nicholas Andreoli, Clearaway wasted little time making his presence felt in the Friday feature, marching directly to the front the moment the gate swung open to show the way through opening fractions of :28.4 and :58.3.

After turning back the first-over challenge of Jason Will (Chris Long) and a three-wide bid from Prime Interest (Frank Coppola, Jr.), Clearaway reached the three-quarter marker in 1:27.3 before entering the stretch with a 1-1/4 length advantage over the pocket-sitting Bubba Dunn (Mark Beckwith).

The son of Yankee Glide was never presented with a true challenge down the lane, holding his rivals at bay while coasting confidently under the wire to post a 1-1/4 length triumph following a final panel that went in :28.3.

Clearaway paid $17.60, $5.10, and $2.50 for the victory, while Bubba Dunn brought in $6.50 and $2.80 for second. Prime Interest and Armbro Copenhagen (Brian Cross) finished in a dead-heat for third, returning $2.10 and $2.90, respectively.

Owned by Barnik Racing Stable and Loudeene Andreoli, and trained by John Stark, Jr., Clearaway has found the wire first in four of eight starts this year, with a seasonal bankroll of $32,600 and lifetime earnings in excess of $433,000.

Bred in Kentucky by Kentuckiana Farms, Clearaway is unbeaten in each of his last four appearances at Saratoga, adding victories in the $12,000 Open II Trot on June 3, the $15,000 Open I Trot on April 18, and a $7,500 non-winners trot on November 2, 2007, to his Friday tally.