Saratoga Springs, NY — After rattling off four consecutive victories at Saratoga Casino Hotel this season, Summit City Sonny made his first local foray into top-level company a winning one by way of a 1:57.2 score in Sunday’s (March 19) $17,000 Open Trot at the Spa.

Driver Leon Bailey was aggressive with the 4-year-old Dover Dan gelding, pulling first-over from third on early pacesetter Beerthirty K (Jimmy Devaux) after a comfortable :58.3 first half. Summit City Sonny didn’t seem to pose much of a threat past three-quarters in 1:27.1, but he kept plugging away and wore down Beerthirty K to prevail by a half length. Big Box Hanover (Matt Athearn), the winner of the previous two installments of the Open Trot and the 3-2 favorite, rallied from the back of the pack to finish third.

Summit City Sonny completed his first-over ascent in Sunday’s Open Trot at Saratoga narrowly in front. Jessica Hallett photo.

Summit City Sonny, whom trainer Jesse McAssey owns in partnership with Adam Friedland, paid $23.60 to win.

The Monday (March 20) card at Saratoga features a pair of growing carryovers: $3,406 in the 50-cent Pick-5 (last five races) and $8,179 in the 20-cent Jackpot Hi-5 (last race). First post is 12 noon.