by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — The 2009 New York Sire Stakes season at Saratoga got off to a strong start on Thursday night (July 9) as the Late Closers took center stage at the Spa.

Dave Oxford photo

Bet On Roulette scored in 1:56.3, the fastest of the four NYSS Late Closers.

I’mkindofabigdeal, Dali Hanover, Goodnight Goodluck and Bet On Roulette scored victories in their $12,700 divisions of the Late Closers for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on a beautiful summer night in Saratoga.

Local drivers Brian Cross, John Stark, Jr. and Frank Coppola, Jr. were behind the first three winners on the night while Howard Okusko, Jr. was in town from Vernon to pilot home Bet On Roulette.

It was that invader that had the fastest time of the stakes participants as he upset in just a tick faster than the other winners on the card. One of two Bettor’s Delight 3-year-olds to score wins on the night, Bet On Roulette scored at 11-1 in 1:56.3 while all of the other winners of the Late Closers clocked victories in 1:56.4.

Late Closers will return on the next two Thursday evenings as well, with the top tier 2-year-old pacing fillies being featured the following Thursday, July 30, as the New York Sire Stakes season is in full swing at the Spa.

Live racing continues on Friday at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway with first post time at 7:05 p.m.