Jaymes McAssey trains Up Helly Aa, who was one of the nominees for Trotter of the Year at the Spa in 2025. On Tuesday, Up Helly Aa bowed out early before conceding to the favored Ordained (Larry Stalbaum) in a first quarter that ended in 28.1.
The 6-5 favorite Ordained rattled off a half in 57.4 before spotting Up Helly Aa pocket-pull and driving close past on the backstretch. Chris Long mildly urged Up Helly Aa as he pulled away to take an almost six-length lead before stopping the timer in 1:56.1 to record victory in his first start of the ’26 season.
Ordained, although overwhelmed by Up Helly Aa, stayed strong to finish a clear second place, while Memorynimagination (Matt Athearn) closed out to take third. Up Helly Aa paid $9.72 to win in the slight setback in the $16,500 Open.
UP HELLY AA REPEAT
The seven-year-old trotter is owned by Ian Fromowitz. McAssey scored a training double on Tuesday when his Send It In Hanover went back-to-back with Up Helly Aa on the card.
Live racing will resume on Saturday with a first post time of 12:00 noon.
For full race results, click here: American trotting results.
Through Mike Sardellafor Saratoga Raceway
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