Saratoga Springs, NY — TH Kay C Crunch utilized a powerful first-over surge to secure his first victory of the season in Tuesday’s (Feb. 24) feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel, a $10,750 conditioned pace.
Matt Athearn picked up the drive behind 2-5 favorite TH Kay C Crunch and was patient in the early going with the 4-year-old Jimmy Nickerson trainee. Taking back at the start, TH Kay C Crunch made his move first-over on leader Captain Dee Tee (driven by Jacob Cutting), who was making his seasonal debut. Captain Dee Tee was up to the task but got pushed to the limit by TH Kay C Crunch, who eventually willed the leader into submission at the head of the stretch before drawing off to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:57.3.
Captain Dee Tee was a strong second; long shot Slafko (Chris Long) came on to finish third.
Melissa Beckwith led all trainers with three wins on the 10-race card.
Live racing at Saratoga resumes Saturday (Feb. 28); first post is noon.