Saratoga Spring, NY – Frisco Bay N (Downbytheseaside) sprung a big-time upset in the season’s first Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday (Feb. 1) afternoon.
The opening day card featured fourteen races for a cold February matinee which was highlighted by the longshot victory from the Jackie Greene-trained Frisco Bay N. Jacob Cutting sat behind the 6-year-old who was dismissed at odds of 34-1 in the $16,500 Open Pace and marched out to the early lead.
Frisco Bay N posted fast fractions of :26.4 and :56.1 in the first half before being confronted by pocket-pulling favorite Vanderbilt N (Ron Cushing). That invader was the 1-4 betting favorite and evacuated the two-hole behind Frisco Bay N who rattled off three-quarters in 1:25.1 while holding off the challenge from the favorite.
Those two pacers brought their battle to the stretch but the longshot would not be denied as Frisco Bay N recorded his first career Open victory stopping the timer in 1:54 to best Vanderbilt N by a head. The Good Doctor (Kyle Swift), a nominee for Pacer of the Year at the Spa in ’25, closed to finish third in his seasonal debut.
Frisco Bay N is owned by the Kellogg Racing Stables of Queensbury, NY. Jacob Cutting, who piloted the winner, scored a driving double on the Sunday matinee.
Live racing continues on Monday with a noon first post.