by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga Springs, NY — Gruden (Muscles Yankee) added trotting hobbles a few weeks ago after enduring breaking trouble in previous months. The Rene Allard trainee won the qualifier at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono with hobbles on and was dynamic at Saratoga Casino Hotel last week while winning his local debut in 1:55.

Mikayla Gray photo

Gruden had enough to hang on and win in 1:56.

Gruden moved up in company on Tuesday night (July 24) as he took part in the $12,000 Winners Over. The 5-year-old trotter who scored nine wins in 17 tries in 2017 was bet down as the 1-9 favorite on Tuesday.

Leading driver Billy Dobson moved Gruden out to the early lead, paying a bit of a stiff price to get to the top. Parked at the start, Gruden crossed over to cut the mile after guiding the way through a first quarter of :27. The big favorite had little difficultly opening up a big lead but was beginning to tire when a pair of dangers in Silent Pine (Bruce Cooper) and Entranced (Dan Cappello Jr.) were making steady progress towards the leader. Gruden had enough to hang on and win in 1:56 while Silent Pine came up second best. Entranced earned the show spot.

Live racing continues on Wednesday evening at Saratoga with a 7:05 p.m. first post.