Blazing Home N holds on in $100,000 Joe Gerrity Memorial

Blazing Home N (Rock N Roll Heaven) prevailed in the 17th Annual running of the Joe Gerrity Jr Memorial Pace that took place on Saturday night at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

One of the richest races of the year at the Spa saw nine participants square off for a purse of $100,000 concluding a two-month stint in which the top local pacers slugged it out in Invitational races to accrue points towards the Saturday Final.

Blazing Home N scored just one victory in his six tries in the Invitational races but finished on the board in each of his starts. Drawing post six in the Gerrity, Blazing Home N showed early speed to land in third but made a charge towards the lead crossing over in an opening quarter of 26.4.

The 7-2 shot in the wagering reached the half in 55.3 while bracing for the challenge of the favored Binge On Yankee (Kyle Swift) who had to come from well off the pace.

Blazing Home N maintained a lead of two-plus lengths throughout before seeing that margin get cut into late by the 3-5 favorite Binge On Yankee who closed to come up just a neck short of recording the victory.

BLAZING HOME N REPLAY

Longshot Full Metal Jacket (Wally Hennessey) made up a lot of ground in the race’s final half coming on to earn the show spot. Blazing Home N’s win was his ninth of the season.

Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee that will begin at 12pm.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway