Coppola, Hennessey score Saratoga hat tricks

Frank Coppola Jr. and Wally Hennessey each tallied hat tricks on the Thursday night card as two of Saratoga's best reinsmen enjoyed a big night.

Coppola, the meet's leading driver, started out the evening with a win in the opener while piloting invader Fast Vacation to the trotting win. Coppola later guided Cataroesa and Jackpot Riz to victories with Jackpot Riz's win coming in lifetime best fashion. Jackpot Riz took advantage of some early speed in the night's 11th race and he swept by his rivals to stop the timer in 1:57.2.

Hennessey's big win on the night came with Flip For Love. The Perry Simser trainee was only a few weeks removed from a lifetime mark win when she wired the field in 1:55.2 back in May. Hennessey picked up the catch-drive on Thursday and again sent the mare to the lead and they wouldn't look back, stopping the timer in 1:56 and rewarding her backers that released her at 3-1. The win was the fastest of the night by a full second on an evening that saw a light rain fall for much of the race program. (Saratoga)

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