Jimmy Mattison trainee too good at The Spa

Panocchio (No Pan Intended) closed up the passing lane to win the Saturday night harness racing open pace at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

The defending Horse of the Year at the Spa, Panocchio worked hard to secure a pocket trip despite sizzling early fractions. RU Ready To Rock (Bruce Aldrich Jr) raced parked to the quarter in 26 seconds flat before bypassing Panocchio to become the race's frontrunner.

Enduring multiple challenges along the way, RU Ready To Rock held firm before getting edged at the wire by the Jimmy Mattison-trained Panocchio.

The mile and a 1/16 time was 1:58.4 after the first mile was paced in 1:51.2. Panocchio, who bested runner up RU Ready To Rock by just a half length, was the race's 6-5 public choice and led an exacta that paid $22.60 and a triple that came back $172.50 with Memory Game (Frank Coppola Jr) finishing third.

It was the second win in the local Open thus far this year for Panocchio who was piloted to the victory by Gerry Mattison.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at the Spa with a matinee beginning at 12:45pm.

Mike Sardella