Hestherightstuff experienced a rollercoaster in August at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Trained by Gary Levine, the pacer kicked off the month by winning the Open on Saturday, Aug. 3, but his next start was marred by an equipment break. Returning to action in the $20,270 Open Pace on Saturday, Hestherightstuff aimed for redemption after another recent break, this time starting from post two.
Billy Dobson took the catch-drive for Levine and found unexpected early speed from the seven-year-old pacer, who rarely takes the lead. Sent off as the 8-5 second choice, Hestherightstuff set uncontested early fractions of :27 and :56. He cruised to a wire-to-wire victory in a sharp 1:51.4. Pickup Man Hanover (Wally Hennessey) followed in the pocket to secure second place, while Talking Tom (Chris Long) earned his third consecutive top-three finish by taking third.
Owned by his trainer Gary Levine, Hestherightstuff crossed the finish line three lengths ahead, paying $5.30 to win. The exacta returned $13.20, and the triple paid $60.50. This marked Hestherightstuff’s 25th career victory, bringing his earnings close to the $200,000 milestone.
Live harness racing returns to Saratoga on Thursday, Aug. 29, with a first post time of 5 p.m.