Saratoga Springs, NY – Hestherightstuff (American Ideal) took the first-over journey to the winner’s circle in Saturday’s feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Hestherightstuff won Saturday night’s feature at Saratoga. Jessica Hallett photo.

Gary Levine, the 2020 leading trainer at the Spa, is the conditioner for Hestherightstuff who has done the majority of his damage this year while competing out of town. Enjoying success at both the Meadowlands and Tioga Downs, Hestherightstuff came into Saturday’s try in the Open Pace off a fourth-place finish in last week’s feature.

Driver Billy Dobson pulled Hestherightstuff first-over in Saturday’s installment of the $15,000 Open and the 6-year-old pacer just kept grinding on the outside before wearing down the leader who gave way around the final turn. Hestherightstuff’s tenacious effort was rewarded when he hit the line first in 1:54 to record his first ever Open win at the Spa.

In what was the 50th start of his career, Saturday’s victory was the 20th lifetime win for Hestherightstuff. Seventh Secret (Jimmy Devaux), who upset in last weekend’s Open Pace while dismissed at odds of 89-1, again came from last this week and closed to finish second while Soul Assassin (Mitch Cushing) earned the show spot.

Hestherightstuff’s Open score was one of two on the night for Levine, who owns the speedy pacer, and one of four for Dobson who enjoyed a four-win evening despite having just seven drives on the card. Early in the evening, the pair teamed up for a victory with young pacer Lyleground who matched his lifetime-best win time of 1:55 with a front-running score in a $8,000 race for colt and gelding pacers.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 1) at Saratoga with a matinee that begins at noon.