Little Willy captured the $22,222 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday, April 13, capping a training grand slam for Melissa Beckwith.
Trained by Melissa Beckwith, the seven-year-old gelded son of Up The Credit–Jo And Maria was patiently handled by reinsman Brett Beckwith in a contest that featured a hot early tempo. After a :27 opening quarter and :55.2 half, Beckwith angled Little Willy off the rail and fanned him wide around the final turn, tracking leader Jahan Hanover (Wally Hennessey), who posted three-quarters in 1:23.4.
Once in the stretch, Little Willy surged past Jahan Hanover and the favoured Lanjo Lee (Jacob Cutting), stopping the clock in 1:53.2. The pacer is owned by Mark Beckwith of Wilton, N.Y. He returned $8.10 to win.
The victory was part of a big day for Team Beckwith, as Brett and Melissa combined for four wins on the Sunday card.
Live racing resumes Monday with a matinee post time of 12 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)