Arizona, the defending Mare Pacer of the Year at Saratoga Casino Hotel, has followed up her award-winning campaign in style in 2025 and the six-year-old mare swept the field en route to winning the $22,222 Mares Open on Tuesday, May 20.

Mark Beckwith sat behind the Melissa Beckwith-trained Arizona as she got away last in the seven-horse Tuesday feature. An early speed scramble ensued between three rivals and Arizona, along with last week’s Open winner Alittlesidehustl N (Billy Dobson), sat at the back of the pack as the battle raged on. Arizona, who got away last, remained seventh at the half-mile pole in a lap that went in :55.3. Beckwith tipped Arizona off the rail and to the far outside approaching the three-quarter pole before swooping the group and drawing away late to win by a length. Alittlesidehustl N closed to finish second to complete a $32.40 exacta. Longshot Blue Glamber came on to finish third and round out a $206 trifecta. 

The fourth local Open score of the season came in 1:54 for Arizona, who was a 10-time winner in ’24. In her Tuesday victory, the daughter of Up The Credit-Jo And Maria paid $9.40 to win. Arizona is owned by Wendy Timpano.

Live harness racing resumes on Sunday, May 25 at Saratoga when New York Sire Stakes for colt and gelding pacers are featured. Sunday’s card begins at 12 p.m.    

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)