Saratoga Casino Hotel veteran Artful Way returned to the winner's circle to take the $15,000 Open Pace on Saturday (March 26) in 1:53.3.
Leading driver Billy Dobson sat behind the 10-year-old who was the 4-5 favourite. After cruising unopposed through a first half that went in :57, Artful Way was met with the challenge of Skyway Victor, who had a win and a second in his last two starts in the Open. That rival fought gamely on the outside but proved to be no match to the two-time Horse of the Year at the Spa. Artful Way held strong in the stretch to score for his second Open victory this season.
Skyway Victor was the runner-up while Elite Retreat earned the show spot. In his 69th victory, Artful Way paid $3.70 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $12.80 and $51.50, respectively. The winner is owned by the Kellogg Racing Stables of Queensbury, NY.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (March 27) at Saratoga with a first post time of 12 p.m. (EDT).
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)