Saratoga Springs, NY — A pair of claimers led veteran conditioner Jim Martuscello to a training double on Saturday evening (March 19) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Martuscello, who runs a small stable at the Spa, added two new members to his barn a few weeks ago when owner Pasquale Baia claimed pacers Better Moonon Over and Gibus.

Better Moonon Over gave Jim Martuscello half of a training double on Saturday at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Melissa Simser photo.

Better Moonon Over made a break in his first start off the claim, but the 6-year-old has since rebounded in style. Following a second-place finish, Better Moonon Over was a decisive winner in his next start leading up to Saturday’s try in the $5,000 claiming ranks. Jimmy Devaux powered Better Moonon Over out to the early lead, and from there, it was over. The claiming pacer cruised away to win his second consecutive start by 6-1/4 lengths in 1:55.1.

Gibus was claimed for $12,500 by Baia and Martuscello last month, and finished second in his debut for those connections. After a three-week layoff, Gibus proved victorious on the rise to the $15,000 claiming ranks. Driver Brett Beckwith sat patiently with Gibus throughout the first five-eighths of a mile before unleashing him approaching the three-quarter pole. The 7-year-old surged to the lead before powering away to prevail by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:55.2.

Martuscello now has four wins and four second-place finishes in just 10 starts this season.

Live racing at Saratoga continued on Sunday afternoon (March 20).