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Saratoga John at Balmoral

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May 06, 2007

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After knocking at the door in his last two starts Joseph Costa and Joseph Desapio�s Saratoga John finally took on the starring role as he rallied in the passing lane for a half-length victory in a career best 1:51.3 in Saturday's ISOBA Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gleding pacers at Balmoral Park.

The race proved to be a hotly contested battle right from the start as Fox Valley Cub Fan (Dean Magee) shot to the top from post position six. A hard-leaving One Park Place (Sam Widger) was also on a mission for the lead from the 10-hole resulting in an opening quarter of :28.

After watching the early proceedings from fourth driver Brent Holland elected to pull Saratoga John as the field move down the backstretch. The bay gelding responded beautifully as he stormed right by the early leaders, quickly opening up a 1 1/4-length advantage as he hit the halfway station in :56.1.

Around the far turn Holland made a wise move, electing to back his charge down a bit thus avoiding a duel on the bend with the hard charging tandem of Fox Valley Gambler (Jeff Cullipher) and Big Puff Doggie (Del Chupp). Those two were separated by only a head as the field reached the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:24.

Through the lane Fox Valley Gambler continued to cling to his 1 1/4-length advantage. Big Puff Doggie was all out while trying to cut into the margin while Holland patiently awaited the passing lane with a fit and fresh Saratoga John sitting in third.

With a sixteenth of a mile to go Saratoga John and Holland used the passing lane to perfection, drilling through a small opening to post his fourth win of the year. Fox Valley Gambler tasted defeat for the first time in 2007 finishing a hard fought second while Big Puff Doggie settled for third.

The Ervin Miller-trained sophomore now sports a record of four wins, three seconds and one third in 11 starts this year with earnings of $53,053. Sent off as the second choice in the wagering, Saratoga John returned $5.80, $2.60 & $2.40. (Balmoral Park)

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