Saratoga Springs, NY — Wings Of Royalty (RC Royalty) had a pair of third-place finishes to begin his season at Saratoga Casino Hotel heading into his try in Sunday’s (March 31) Open Trot. The Joe DiStefano trainee is stabled in Massachusetts but has been a fairly regular participant in the local Open in seasons’ past.

Wings Of Royalty scored in 1:57.1 for his first win of the season. Melissa Simser-Iovino photo.

On Sunday, Wings Of Royalty, who was the 8-5 second choice in the wagering in the five-horse feature, utilized his characteristic strong early speed to make an easy lead. Driver Shawn Gray gave him a nice middle-half breather before asking the 7-year-old to crank up the speed after passing three-quarters in a reasonable 1:28.

The favored Cash Me Out (Phil Fluet) came from last and began to trot up a storm around the final turn but it was too late to catch Wings Of Royalty who scored in 1:57.1 for his first win of the season.

With the earnings from the victory in the $15,000 Open Trot, Wings Of Royalty moved his career bankroll past the $800,000 mark.

Cash Me Out lengthened his streak of finishing first or second in the Open to six. Golden Kronos (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) earned the show spot.

Wings Of Royalty paid $5.40 to win and led an exacta with the favorite second that returned $7.50.

Live racing resumes on Wednesday at Saratoga with a first post time set for 12 p.m.