It’s been an incredible season at Saratoga Casino Hotel for trainer Melissa Beckwith and on Monday, May 19, the track’s leading trainer added five more wins to her bulky seasonal total. Beckwith’s Platinum As was the star of the day as the seven-year-old trotter overcame post position eight to win the Open Handicap Trot. 

Wally Hennessey sat behind Platinum As as the E L Titan- Jarette As gelding made his second local start following a victory in last week’s Open Trot. Hennessey floated Platinum As out from his outside post and raced him parked the mile in the $22,222 feature for high-steppers. 

In a race in which longshots led the way and took the trotters through a first quarter in :27.2 and half in :57.4, 9-5 second choice Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) battled first-over. He wore down the leader to briefly take the lead turning for home but when they hit the straightaway, Platinum As had one more burst of speed to him and wound up prevailing in 1:56.2 to overcome the overland journey. Big Box Hanover was the runner-up while longshot Wania (Billy Dobson) got up to finish third. 

Platinum As paid $7.40 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $20.20 and $215.50 (on $2 wagers), respectively. 

The winner is owned by Fac Racing Inc, Brett Beckwith and Yannick Gingras. 

Jimmy Devaux was the sulky star of the day as the veteran reinsman piloted six winners on the matinee card.  

Live harness racing continues on Tuesday, May 20 at Saratoga with a first post time of 12 p.m. 

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)