Fastest of the season at the Spa

Givenupdreaming (If I Can Dream) posted the fastest mile of the year at Saratoga on Saturday night as the Heidi Rohr-trained pacer made his harness racing debut in the local feature.

Stephane Bouchard piloted Givenupdreaming in the $15,000 Open Pace and moved him first over at the half on the race's favorite Idealbeach Hanover (Billy Dobson).

The two Yonkers invaders went at it throughout the entire second lap before Givenupdreaming surged at the wire to stop the timer in 1:51.2.

Returning $9.30 to win, Givenupdreaming recorded his third victory of the year. Idealbeach Hanover held strong for second to complete an exacta that returned $40.20.

The triple, which came back $201.50, was rounded out by Caution Signs (Bruce Aldrich Jr).

The 1:51.2 clocking was the fastest of the season at the Spa by nearly a full second.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee that begins at 12:15pm.

Mike Sardella