Thursday featured the conclusion of the sixth annual John Mongeon, Sr. Memorial Trotting Series at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The Misty Carey-trained Spoiler Alert drew the rail while seeking a sweep of the series. The only trotter to score victories in each of the series’ two legs, Spoiler Alert came into Thursday’s $32,700 Final off a career-best 1:58 effort and was the public’s 1-2 betting favourite as he looked to complete the sweep.
Driver Brett Crawford moved the big favourite out to the early lead and that lead lengthened at every pole before Spoiler Alert drew off to win by better than five lengths in 1:57.1, a new career mark for the four-year-old son of Chapter Seven. JS Miss Carolyn (Steeven Genois) was the runner-up in the final as she finished second for the fifth time in her last six starts while Hammer Time (Chris Long) earned the show spot.
Spoiler Alert added his name to the list of Mongeon Memorial Series winners that includes Pop I, Order By Don, Quick Feet, Palmers Pride and Reigning Autumn. Spoiler Alert is now a five-time winner in eight tries in 2018.
The $15,000 Consolation of the Mongeon Memorial was won in upset fashion by Theres Magic In Me (Brian Cross) who lit up the board at odds of 75-1 while prevailing in 1:59.3 in her Thursday score.
Live racing continues on Friday night when the Final of the Virginia O’Brien Memorial Pacing Series for fillies and mares is featured. First post time is set for 6:45 p.m.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)