Last Saturday night, Artful Way blasted out to the early lead in the $15,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Though the four-year-old flashed incredible turn of foot early in the 1-1/16 miles feature last week, Artful Way tired late before fading to a sixth-place finish. This week, the tune was much different for the Jackie Rousse-trained pacer.
Frank Coppola Jr., once again, powered Artful Way out early, but eased him back before yielding to rival Spinarama (Austin Siegelman). Spinarama got a big time second quarter breather, but was hounded by the race’s favourite, JK Panache, who was first over. Dismissed at odds of 12-1, Spinarama turned back JK Panache, but Artful Way got loose late and surged up the passing lane before hitting the wire first in 2:00 for the 1-1/16 miles. Spinarama held second while E Z Noah (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot.
Artful Way returned $9 to win and led an exacta and triple that came back $80 and $375.50, respectively.
Kellogg Racing Stables Ll owns the gelded son of Artistic Fella.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)