New Zealand-breds battle to finish at Saratoga

The Bird Dance N (A Rocknroll Dance – This Bird Has Flown) made every pole a winning one in the harness racing featured $15,000 Winners Over/Open Handicap Pace on Saturday (May 25) evening at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Chris Long sent the Ryan Nelson student to the top from the rail while the rest of the field lined up single file in post-position order, with the exception of favored Pace N Pride N (Brett Beckwith). The starter from post four was parked out to the opening panel in :26.3 before settling into the pocket spot.

The Bird Dance N maintained his lead and continued through panels in :55.1 and 1:23.2 while the outer flow was never able to reach him. Down the stretch, Beckwith pulled Pace N Pride N to the outside of The Bird Dance N in a battle towards the wire, but The Bird Dance N had just enough to win by a head in 1:51.4. East End (Wally Hennessey) completed the top three.

Owned by Jose Cervantes, The Bird Dance N won his third race in 12 starts this year. In 90 lifetime trips to the track, the nine-year-old gelding recorded a tally of 39-12-3 with $292,383 banked. From 4-1 odds, he returned $10.60 to win.

THE BIRD DANCE N REPLAY

Chris Long and Brett Beckwith each posted three driving wins on the Saturday card.

Racing at the Saratoga Springs oval returns on Sunday (May 26) for a packed 17-race card featuring the New York Sires Stakes. First post is at 12 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Jessica Hallett, for Saratoga Raceway