by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Newcastle (Cantab Hall) rolled to victory in the Open Trot at Saratoga Casino and Raceway on Sunday (March 13) afternoon. The Kyle Spagnola trainee cruised to score on the first Sunday of action for the season and handled the step up into the $15,000 feature with ease.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Sunday’s Open Trot at Saratoga was dominated by Newcastle, winning with ease in 2:02.4 for 1-1/16 mile.

Jordan Derue moved Newcastle out to the early lead where he would withstand constant pressure from two-time defending Trotter of the Year Slugfest (Jay Randall) en route to victory in 2:02.4 for the 1-1/16 mile. Slugfest held strong for second while longshot Flyhawk Thriller (Stephane Bouchard) earned the show spot.

Newcastle, who earned just shy of $100,000 in 2015, made his local debut in November and is now four-for-four at the Spa. The 4-year-old trotter paid $31.60 to win as a 14-1 longshot while the exacta with Slugfest returned $190.50. The triple came back $691. Newcastle is owned by Bill Donovan of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Live racing resumes on Thursday at Saratoga with a 4:00 p.m. first post.