by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga, NY — Zlatan (Muscle Mass) recorded his first local Open Trot victory on Sunday afternoon (April 22) at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Melissa Beckwith-trainee came into the race with five victories in 2018 with each of the wins coming against lesser competition than he faced in the $14,500 Open.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Zlatan makes his way to the winner’s circle in Sunday’s featured event at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Zlatan sat third on the rail throughout the mile but shook loose around the final turn and was one of four who looked like he could win midway through the stretch. Last week’s Open winner Ulster (Jay Randall) was on the engine but was fading late in the mile as the first-over favorite Cash Me Out (Billy Dobson) and pocket-sitter Twisted Pretzel (Jimmy Devaux) were closing in.

Zlatan surged late to win and got up to win in 1:56 to pull off the mild upset at odds of 6-1. Zlatan, who was driven to the Sunday score by Mark Beckwith, returned $14.60 to win in his sixth victory of the season. Cash Me Out was the runner up while Twisted Pretzel earned the show spot.

Live racing resumes on Thursday afternoon with a matinee starting at 12:15 p.m.