Saratoga Springs, NY — Lanjo Lee (So Surreal) enjoyed a magical 2022 season in which he earned over $100,000 competing in large part in the New York Sire Stakes. Now at the age of four, the Jeff Sorenson-trained pacer is on the comeback trail following a lengthy layoff.

Lanjo Lee picked up right where he left off, winning the feature at Saratoga on Saturday. Jessica Hallett Photo.

Making just his second start of the year last Saturday (May 27), Lanjo Lee went coast-to-coast in 1:52.2 at Saratoga Casino Hotel to prevail in an upper level conditional race. This week, Lanjo Lee moved into the Open Pace where he drew post five for his try in the $17,000 feature.

Chris Long piloted the four year old who was the public’s second-choice in the wagering while at odds of 2-1. The race’s favorite Belmont Major N (Jimmy Devaux) worked hard in the early going carving out first-half fractions of 26.4 and 56.1 before being confronted by Lanjo Lee who powered up alongside the leader.

From there, it was on. Belmont Major N and Lanjo Lee traded strides for nearly an entire half mile before Lanjo Lee imposed his will in the stretch to stop the timer in 1:52. The win time matched the fastest for any horse at Saratoga in the ’23 campaign. Belmont Major N wound up as the runner-up in the Open for the second consecutive week while Nuttin But Finesse (Leon Bailey) earned the show spot. Lanjo Lee, who is owned by Gordon Swift of Bath, NY, paid $6.50 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $26.60 and $83, respectively.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a first post time of Noon.