Saratoga Springs, NY — Lanjo Lee (So Surreal) was the runner-up in last week’s Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel but on Saturday (March 16) night, the Jeff Sorensen-trained pacer didn’t settle for second-best.

Lanjo Lee, last week’s runner-up upended folks on Saturday with a game victory in the featured event. Jessica Hallett Photo.

The odds-on favorite in the $15,000 installment of the Open, Lanjo Lee wound up first-over following a first half that went in :57.1. The 5-year-old toughed it out overland in the second lap before wearing the leader down and edging out fellow closer Skyway Victor (Mitch Cushing) at the wire in a mile clocked in 1:54.

Lanjo Lee paid $3.50 to win and led an exacta with 18-1 shot Skyway Victor that returned $37.80. East End (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot and completed a $172.50 triple.

Lanjo Lee’s victory was his second on the season as he previously prevailed in an Open contested at Batavia in January. The speedy Open winner is owned by Gordon Swift of Bath, NY. Leon Bailey was the winning driver behind Lanjo Lee on Saturday night.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon with a matinee that begins at Noon.