Saratoga Springs, NY – Uncle Jord A (Rock N Roll Heaven) has been a solid force in the Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel all year long.

Uncle Jord A won the Open Pace at Saratoga Saturday. Jessica Hallett Photo.

On Saturday evening (July 15), the Alicia Gray-trained pacer drew post five in the seven horse feature. Driver Shawn Gray asked the veteran for early speed and landed briefly on the lead before yielding to rival St Lads Sterling (Jay Randall) approaching the opening quarter.

Uncle Jord A rode the coattails of the leader through a first half of :55.4 and that tandem was joined by Talking Tom (Chris Long) in the stretch for a three-horse battle to the wire.

Uncle Jord A began to impose his will midway through the lane as he overpowered St Lads Sterling late in the game before drawing off to win decisively in 1:52.2. Talking Tom closed sharply to finish second while St Lads Sterling had to settle for third in the $17,000 feature. Uncle Jord A paid $13.80 to win in the mild upset and led an exacta and triple that came back $72.50 and $213.50, respectively.

The victory in the Open was the third on the season for the 8-year-old Uncle Jord A who is owned by Doug Overhiser of New Smyrna Beach, FL. A picture of consistency this season, Uncle Jord A has now hit the board in nine of his 12 starts in the Saratoga Open in 2023.

Live racing continues at Saratoga on Sunday evening (July 16) with a 13-race card set to kick off at 6:45 p.m.