Saratoga Springs, NY — Joey Joe made his Saratoga Casino Hotel debut a winning one, extending his win streak to four with a 1:55.4 win in a $10,000 pace for colts and geldings on Wednesday (Oct. 22).
The 3-year-old Always A Virgin gelding came to town for the first time since changing connections and moving to the stable of trainer Ryan Nelson, and was sent off the 1-5 favorite. Aaron Byron wasted little time moving Joey Joe to the lead, and the pair cruised unopposed throughout the majority of the mile as Olympic Blaze (Matt Athearn) rode his coattails every step of the way. Joey Joe defeated Olympic Blaze by 1-1/2 lengths while Major Drama (Jimmy Devaux) earned the show spot.
Nelson co-owns Joey Joe with Patrick Gregory.
Racing at Saratoga resumes on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 26); first post is 12 noon.