The Monica Krist stable had two horses in on harness racing trotting day at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday afternoon. Gruden (Muscles Yankee) led the charge from her stable and was the public’s 8-5 betting favorite in the matinee’s $12,000 Open Trot.
Gruden got the pocket trip behind Gigfy (Alek Chartrand), a razor-sharp trotter who was aggressive in the feature and did prove up to the task. Gigfy cut the mile but was hounded throughout, parking out a rival in a first half that was clocked in 56.2.
All the while, Gruden was in behind the dueling leaders and when he got clearance after three quarters in 1:26, popped the pocket and cruised past Gigfy before drawing away in the stretch.
Billy Dobson piloted Gruden to the better than four-length victory in the feature. Gruden paid $5.40 to win and led an exacta with Gigfy second that came back $26. Stone In Love (Brian Cross) made a break behind the gate but rallied late to finish third and complete a $69.50 triple.
GRUDEN REPLAY
The win for Gruden was one of two on the day for his connections. Owner Rick Dobson, of Howell, MI, had a double as his Lazzaro (Explosive Matter) was a repeat winner earlier in the card in a $6,600 trotting event for Krist with leading driver Billy Dobson in the sulky.
Live racing continues on Tuesday afternoon at Saratoga with a first post time set for Noon.
For full race results, click here.
by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway