by Mike Sardella

Saratoga, NY — The Saturday doubleheader at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway featured New York Sire Stakes action on the nighttime portion of the double dip.

Dave Oxford photo

Flipper J moved to the lead early and held strong in the stretch, paving the way to the Art Major colt’s fifth win of the season in 1:54.1.

2-year-old colt and gelding pacers got their final shot at points towards next Saturday night’s Night of Champion at Yonkers Raceway as they competed for purses of upwards of $70,000.

Owner Ken Jacobs of Baldwinsville, NY had one of the favorites in each of the three divisions of stakes action on Saturday and the longtime harness owner enjoyed another big night in what has been maybe his best ever year.

Jacobs’ Major Way (Art Major) pulled off the minor upset in the division as the big favorite Feel Like A Fool (Howard Parker) broke at the start. Despite the early miscue, Feel Like A Fool motored home and almost tracked down Major Way and reinsman Jason Bartlett who secured the victory in 1:56.

Parker did score a win on the night as he picked up the catch drive on Samandar (American Ideal), who was a 1:55.1 winner in the second division.

The night’s final Sire Stake saw freshman Flipper J move to the lead early and hold strong in the stretch, paving the way to the Art Major colt’s fifth win of the season. It was the second stakes score on the night for the team of Jacobs, Bartlett and trainer Linda Toscano.

Jason Bartlett piloted four winners on the night in a rare appearance at Saratoga for one of New York’s top drivers.