The defending Saratoga Casino Hotel Horse of the Year made his return to the winner’s circle as Artful Way prevailed for the first time in 2018 when winning the $12,000 Open Pace on Saturday, March 3.

Frank Coppola Jr. had thoughts of leaving with Artful Way, but after a host of leavers left to his inside, took back to fourth. Poisonous cut the mile and, after posting a :27 first-quarter, got a second quarter breather. Coppola then made his move with Artful Way as the track’s defending driving champion unleashed the 1-5 favourite.

Artful Way put away Poisonous around the final turn before drawing away to win by two lengths in 1:52.2. Lachie Maguire N got up for second while Poisonous finished third.

With the winnings, the Jackie Greene-trained Artful Way moved his career bankroll to over the $400,000 mark, just three starts into his six-year-old campaign.

Live racing continues on Sunday, March 4 at Saratoga with a 12:15pm first post.