by Michael Costanzo, simulcast manager, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Mesquite Heat halted a 33-race losing streak on Wednesday (July 9) when visiting the winner’s circle in his Saratoga Gaming and Raceway debut, taking the featured $5,500 non-winners pace in a lifetime best 1:55.1.

Dave Oxford photo

Mesquite Heat got up in the final yards to defeat La Rock on Wednesday.

Starting from post six with Brian Allen at the lines, Mesquite Heat settled comfortably in the pocket as an aggressively-handled Peterson (Dan Cappello, Jr.) showed the way through fractions of :27.3, :55.4, and 1:24.3.

Peterson surrendered the top spot to La Rock (Jim Devaux) on the final turn, but that one had no answer for the late charge of Mesquite Heat, who was angled off the pylons in mid-stretch to get up in the shadow of the wire and score the overdue victory.

Mesquite Heat returned $9.40, $3.40, and $2.70 for the win. La Rock brought in $2.70 and $2.10 for second, while Marvin’s Miracle (Mark Beckwith) paid $2.20 when finishing third.

Owned by Edward Hall and James Hall, and trained by Daniel Gill, Mesquite Heat had hit the board in seven straight outings at Harrington Raceway leading up to his Wednesday triumph.