Melanie's Jackson triumphs at Saratoga

In the absence of a feature division on the first Tuesday (Nov. 7) afternoon card of the winter at Saratoga Casino Hotel, a host of $8,000 conditioned races served as the top classes on the day. Of the matinee harness racing action, Melanie’s Jackson (Hypnotic Blue Chip) headlined as he posted a gate-to-wire triumph in the swiftest time.

Wally Hennessey and the Paul Dudka trainee secured the early lead before posting panels in :27.3, :57.3, and 1:26.2. Down the lane, Melanie’s Jackson brushed off a fast charging Mixed Emotion (Jordan Derue) to win by a length in 1:55.2. Mixed Emotion was second and Gator At The Well (Mitchell Cushing) took third.

MELANIE’S JACKSON REPLAY

Tina Rafferty, Stephanie Rogers, and Laurie Dudka co-own the four-year-old gelding. Melanie’s Jackson returned a $4.60 ticket to win.

Saratoga Casino Hotel resumes racing on a Saturday through Tuesday schedule with a first post of 5 p.m. on Saturdays and a first post of 12 p.m. on the Sunday through Tuesday cards.

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

by Jessica Hallett, for Saratoga Raceway