Pocket-rider Carolina Beach pounced on pacesetter JK Panache in the stretch to win the $15,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday, March 9.
The five-year-old Melissa Beckwith-trained son of Somebeachsomewhere slid into the pocket and drafted JK Panache through the course of the mile. Driver Mark Beckwith then pulled into the stretch as Western Fame, making his season's debut, wound his bid for the lead approaching the wire. Carolina Beach hit the wire first and stopped the clock in 1:53.4 with JK Panache holding second and Western Fame taking third.
Carolina Beach paid $5.90 to win and led an exacta and triple in the six-horse field that returned $29.60 and $82.50 respectively. The victory was one of three on the night for Beckwith trainees all driven to their scores by Mark Beckwith.
Live racing continues on Sunday, March 10 at Saratoga with a first post time set for 12:00 p.m.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)