Saratoga Springs, NY — Crockets Cullen N moved his career bankroll over the $500,000 mark with a 1:51.3 win in Saturday’s (Aug. 27) $16,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

After being named Saratoga’s Pacer of the Year in both 2019 and 2021, Crockets Cullen came into Saturday night without having won a local Open in 2022. Still, the classy 11-year-old was aggressive from the get-go, moving to the early lead in rein to owner-trainer Larry Stalbaum and traveling unopposed through a :56.2. The favored Alluneedisfaith N (Shawn Gray) rode the pocket behind the leader while last week’s Open winner Optical Illusion N (Chris Long) made his move heading toward the three-quarter pole. The trio of New Zealand invaders slugged it out in the stretch, but Crockets Cullen was not denied, recording his fifth victory of the season.

Crockets Cullen N made every pole a winning one en route to a 10-1 upset in Saratoga’s top pacing event on Saturday. Melissa Simser photo.

Alluneedisfaith N, the 2-5 betting favorite, had to settle for second while Optical Illusion N earned the show spot.

Crockets Cullen N paid $22.40 to win.

Live racing at Saratoga continues on Sunday evening (Aug. 28) with a first post time of 6:45 p.m.