Snowpiercer pulled off a mild upset in the $21,739 Open Trot on Monday, March 3 at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The Jackie Greene-trained Snowpiercer flashed early speed and quickly took the lead. Driver Brett Beckwith settled the five-year-old gelding on the engine, pacing through a quick first quarter in :27.4 before slowing the tempo to reach the half in :58. The favoured By The Book (Jay Randall) made a strong move to challenge on the outside, but Snowpiercer held firm, fending off the track’s defending Horse of the Year. As the race neared the stretch, he faced additional challenges from Deadline Hall (Aaron Byron) and Malibu Kid (Matt Athearn), but Snowpiercer held on to win by a head in 1:58.1. Deadline Hall finished second, while Malibu Kid took third.

Snowpiercer, a Muscle Mass-Wheely Quick gelding, is owned by Janie Kellogg. He paid $14.80 to win, marking his first victory of the season.

Beckwith piloted the Open winner for the second consecutive day, having also guided The Good Doctor to a victory in Sunday’s Open Pace.

Live harness racing continues on Tuesday afternoon with a matinee that begins at 12 p.m.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)