Weekend Hideaway Runs Away in Morrissey

Weekend Hideaway assumed the lead soon after the start and was never threatened as he drew off to a two-length upset on Friday in the 11th running of the $100,000 John Morrissey for New York-breds at Saratoga Race Course.

The 4-year-old Speightstown colt, trained by Phil Serpe and ridden by Jose Lezcano, cruised through an opening quarter mile in 22 seconds and a half in 44.80 with Moonlight Song and Brigand in pursuit. Swinging into the stretch with a tightly bunched pack behind him, Weekend Hideaway edged clear of his rivals and crossed the wire in 1:15.83 for the 6 ½ furlongs.

"I let him use his early speed," said Lezcano of Weekend Hideaway. "Sometimes in the gate, he misses the break, but today he broke good and settled in front. When I asked, he gave me what I needed to win the race. He's a very nice colt; I've always thought he's had plenty of talent. Sometimes, I've felt he's lost the race in the gate when he's broken badly. But today, he broke perfect."

Sent off at 6-1, Weekend Hideaway returned $15.40 for a $2 win bet as he notched his second win in six starts this year. Overall, he is 6-3-3 from 16 career starts with a bankroll of $440,572. He improved his record at Saratoga to 3-1-0 from four starts.

"I was a little concerned when they first broke, because I didn't see our horse anywhere, but I wasn't surprised to see him on the lead," said Serpe. "And Jose was just sitting on him; his arms weren't moving at all. When [Tom] Durkin called the :44 and change, I was a little concerned, but I figured the track was a little bit tight after the rain."

Big Business, the 5-2 favorite, finished second, a head in front of West Hills Giant. Completing the order of finish were Saratoga Snacks, Moonlight Song, Brigand, Quick Money and Amberjack.