JK Panache rediscovered his winning ways in the Saturday feature at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

After a summer season full of wins, JK Panache had gone two months without a victory heading into his try in the $18,000 Open Pace.

Mark Beckwith piloted the Dave Dewhurst-trained pacer on Saturday night and moved him out to the early lead, enduring first half fractions of :26.4 and :55.2. The six-year-old son of Art Major continued his breakout season by sealing the deal in 1:51.1 in the feature. Pocket-sitting Thinkofagameplan (Frank Coppola Jr.) was the runner-up in his first try in the local Open while Major Trick (Jordan Derue) came on for third.

JK Panache, the race’s 8-5 second choice in the wagering, won for the 11th time this year and fifth time in the Spa Open after finishing second or third in four of his previous five starts. JK Panache is co-owned by his trainer Dave Dewhurst and Philip Hale.

(With files from Saratoga Raceway)