by Shelley Blake, for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Ray Schnittker’s Clearaway is always right there in the hunt. In 17 starts this year, primarily in the Open Trot, Clearaway has five wins, six runner-up finishes and three third place showings.

But lately, Clearaway and Schnittker have been “just missing” — literally. Two weeks ago, the duo just missed a visit to the winner’s circle in a photo finish. They lost by a neck. Last week, Schnittker and his charge just missed at the wire, once again by a neck.

The question heading into Friday night’s (May 25) Open Trot at Saratoga was obvious: would the third time be the charm for Clearaway?

Trainer-driver John Stark, Jr. sent his heavily favored Splendid Les to the lead from post six without any challenges. Meanwhile, Clearaway and Schnittker left from post eight, settling into the three hole as Splendid Les ticked off fractions of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:26.4 while remaining uncontested on the lead. But by the top of the stretch, Schnittker said it was time and he pulled his 5-year-old gelding.

Splendid Les suddenly had competition as Clearaway gained with every stride. Once again, there was a photo finish as the two horses hit the line together. But this time Clearaway and Schnittker found themselves on the other side, victorious over Splendid Les and Stark by a nose in 1:56 — the fastest trot of the year so far at the Spa. Poached and Dan Cappello, Jr. finished third.

Owned by Schnittker, Frank Baldassare and Stephen Demeter, Clearaway has now hit the board in 15 of his 18 starts this year.

Racing resumes on Saturday at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway with a 7:00 p.m. post time. The Spa will also be hosting a special Memorial Day matinee on Monday, May 28. Post time for the afternoon card will be 12:45 p.m.