Saratoga Springa, NY — Off at 15-1 odds, Packmia bided his time in the $31,400 John Mongeon Sr. Memorial Trot final before striking the upset at the wire on Sunday (May 12) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Packmia went on to win by a half-length in 1:58.4. Jessica Hallett photo.

Second choice Queen Indeed (Billy Dobson) designated herself as the pacesetter for the mile, followed by Tacticland (Jim Devaux) and favored Pembroke Traveler (Mcgwire Sowers). Packmia (Chris Long) got away fifth off the car.

After a :29.1 opening panel, Pembroke Traveler split the field in two as he led the outer charge. Packmia continued in fourth along the pylons through the half in 1:00 and three-quarters in 1:28.3.

With the swiftest final panel in :29.3, Packmia swept his foes and met the leading Queen Indeed steps before the wire. His strides lengthened and he went on to win by a half-length in 1:58.4. Queen Indeed had to settle for second and Tacticland completed the top three.

“Timmy said to be conservative with him and get a good piece. The race worked out perfectly and Packmia finished strong,” driver Chris Long said.

Glenn and Cheryl Schnackenberg and Kellie Dickie co-own the sophomore Six Pack-Ldees Mia gelding. Trained by Timothy Dickie, Packmia won his third race from nine lifetime starts in a career best time. He paid $33.80 to win.

By The Book won the $15,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap with Jay Randall in the bike for Scott Mongeon.

Leaving from post eight, Randall and By The Book were caught in a three-wide tussle for the lead with Snowpiercer (Brett Beckwith) and Malibu Kid (Larry Stalbaum) in the mix. After the :27.4 first quarter, By The Book settled on the lead along the pylons and never looked back. He hit the half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:26.1.

Free Willy Hanover (Long) charged down the passing lane and met the pacesetter and pocket sitting Snowpiercer in a photo finish at the wire. By The Book prevailed by a head in 1:56.3 while Free Willy Hanover finished second with Snowpiercer third.

Charles Harrison, Frederick Barthelmas, and Tina Murray co-own the 5-year-old gelded son of Chapter Seven-Explosive High. By The Book won his fourth race from 11 starts this year and his 18th race from 61 career starts, banking $232,010. He paid $3.50 to win.

Racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel resumes on Monday (May 13) for a 14-race card kicking off at 12 p.m.