by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Saturday night’s (April 30) double feature at Saratoga Casino and Raceway was a good one, consisting of the Battle of Saratoga #4 final and the regular Saturday night feature, the Open Pace.

The Battle of Saratoga final was for colt and gelding pacers who competed over the previous three Saturday nights for their share of the $7,500 per division purse and points towards Saturday’s final.

Dave Oxford photo

Master Of Desire was a 1:53.2 winner in the Battle of Saratoga final.

Master Of Desire (Real Desire) came into the final as the overwhelming favorite after sweeping the three series legs and drawing the rail for the culmination of the series for young pacers.

Stephane Bouchard was at the lines for trainer Mark Ford and Master Of Desire wasted no time in securing the early lead, a lead that would grow to nearly six lengths when he hit the wire first. The win time of 1:53.2 was, at the time, the fastest of the year thus far at Saratoga. TL Six Shooter (Dan Cappello, Jr.) held on for second while Upfront Missys Boy finished third in the $26,700 final.

The Open Pace went the way that so many have over the past few years at Saratoga as classy veteran Rare Jewel (Artiscape) worked his way to the front end and would not be denied. The millionaire pacer secured his third Open Pace victory of the 2011 season by drawing away in the stretch before stopping the timer in 1:53.1, bettering the time set just the race before by Master Of Desire for fastest of the year at the Spa. Distinct Color (Rick Dane, Jr.) toughed out a first over journey for second while Wellthereyougo (Bouchard) came on for third.