Th Kay C Crunch utilized a powerful first-over surge to secure his first victory of the season in the $14,726 featured optional-claiming pace for colts and geldings on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Saratoga Casino Hotel. 

Trained by Jimmy Nickerson, who also won the Open on Monday at The Spa, Th Kay C Crunch was heavily backed by the betting public to the tune of 2-5 odds coming off a strong effort last week when he closed from off the pace to finish third. Matt Athearn picked up the catch-drive behind Th Kay C Crunch and was patient in the early going with the four-year-old. 

Nearing the half, Th Kay C Crunch left the five-hole to march first-over on leader Captain Dee Tee (Jacob Cutting), who was making his seasonal debut after wrapping up his 2025 campaign with an eye-popping 1:53.4 upset score. Captain Dee Tee was up to the task but got pushed to the limit by Th Kay C Crunch, who eventually willed the leader into submission at the head of the stretch and went on to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:57.3. Captain Dee Tee was a strong second while longshot Slafko (Chris Long) closed for third.

The winning Captain Crunch-Special Kay Deo gelding, owned by Joseph Trice, is now four-for-29 lifetime. His first win of 2026 came in his third appearance of the campaign. He paid $2.94 at the windows.

Melissa Beckwith topped the trainers on the 10-race card with a triple. Her son, Brett Beckwith, drove Playingrocknroll ($2.66), Coach Calhoun ($3.56) and Lets Go North ($2.42) to victory for the conditioner. Melissa Beckwith leads the trainers' standings at Saratoga with a tally of 18. Gary Levine is second with 12 wins, followed by Jaymes McAssey in third with 11.

Live racing resumes on Saturday at Saratoga with a matinee that begins at noon. 

(With files from Saratoga Raceway)