Saratoga Springs, NY – Waiting On A Woman (Northern Bailey) overcame a bit of a tough start to win the Open Trot at Saratoga Casino Hotel Monday (July 27) afternoon for the second time in three weeks.

Waiting On A Woman overcame a difficult start to win the Open Trot Feature on Monday afternoon at Saratoga. Melissa Simser-Iovino photo.

The Kyle Spagnola trainee was the even money favorite starting from post three in the seven-horse feature and driver Phil Fluet asked the 12-year-old for some early speed. He and rival Mister Muscle (Shawn Gray), last week’s Open winner, squared off in a battle to the quarter which yielded a sizzling panel of :26.4.

Mister Muscle made it to the top and got a half in :56.2 but wound up tiring a bit in the stretch as Waiting On A Woman closed up the inside. Longshot Mugshots Bro (Jay Randall) charged off his cover to become a stretch threat before ultimately coming up second-best to Waiting On A Woman who came on to score in 1:56.1.

The veteran trotter went five years between Open wins before setting a track record for 12-year-old trotters two weeks ago when he prevailed in 1:55.1 in the $8,500 Open. The even-money favorite led an exacta and triple that returned $48.20 and $245, respectively.

Waiting On A Woman, whose victory was the incredible 77th of his career, is owned by Mike Polansky of Loudonville, NY.

Live racing continues on Tuesday (July 28) afternoon with a matinee beginning at noon.