Military Master A parlayed his pocket trip to victory in the $15,000 Open Pace on Saturday night at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Mark Beckwith picked up the catch-drive behind the Lance Hudson-trained son of Bettors Delight and moved him out to the early lead before giving way to the race’s favourite Starznheaven in an opening quarter that went in 27.1.

Starznheaven cruised unopposed through the middle half of the feature before Military Master A launched his bid around the final turn. Those two squared off in the stretch after drawing away from their competition but at the wire it Military Master A that proved fastest of all in a mile clocked in 1:51.2. Starznheaven was the runner-up while Panocchio (Gerry Mattison) finished third.

It was the first win in the Open for Military Master A and the third victory of the year overall for the eight-year-old who paid $9.90 to win in the mild upset.

Live racing resumes on Tuesday evening at Saratoga with a 7:05 p.m. first post.

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)