Beckwiths steal the show at Saratoga

Currently atop the standings in each of their categories, harness racing driver Brett Beckwith and trainer Mark Beckwith shared the spotlight on Saturday (Sept. 14) evening at Saratoga Casino Hotel with four driving wins and three training wins, respectively.

The Beckwiths combined to win with Win Lous Or Draw (Sweet Lou) ($2.50) by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:56.4, Ourrhythmnblues (Rock N Roll Heaven) ($2.70) by three quarters of a length in 1:55.3, and General Ward (Somebeachsomewhere) ($10.40) by a half length in 1:55.2.

Brett Beckwith secured an additional win with Virgin Honor ($2.30), trained by Jaymes Mcassey, in 1:57.3 in the nightcap to complete the four-bagger.

Beckwith has a 102-win lead in the driver standings with 241 wins since the start of the meet in February.

Wally Hennessey piloted a quartet of victors on the card as well, winning with Posh Onthe Beach A ($15.40) in 1:55.2, Flag Party ($2.80) in 1:55, Texas Miki ($3.00) in 1:56.2, and Final Game ($2.80) in 1:55.1. Since returning to the Spa in May, Hennessey currently sits second in the driver standings behind Beckwith.

Flag Party (Stag Party) has been a force at Saratoga Casino Hotel this summer and on Saturday evening, the Jordan Derue harness racing trainee stayed red hot.

Flag Party returned to the Spa following a strong third-place finish in a start at Yonkers Raceway and reunited with driver Wally Hennessey.

Hennessey had guided Flag Party to victories in four consecutive starts together heading into Saturday’s try which saw the three year old go off as his race’s 2-5 betting favorite in the evening’s $9,500 featured race for pacers.

The Hall of Fame reinsman wasted very little time marching Flag Party out to the early lead where he would enjoy soft first-half fractions, leading the way through a half in 58.1. The sophomore had plenty left for the stretch run after rattling off three-quarters in a comfortable 1:27.1 before motoring home in 27.4 to prevail in 1:55. The victory for Flag Party was his seventh of the season for owner Anthony Ciuffetelli of Saratoga Springs. Born To Dance (Brett Crawford) got the pocket ride behind the winner and parlayed it into a second-place finish while Favorable Draw (Brett Beckwith) earned the show spot.

FLAG PARTY REPLAY

Flag Party supplied Hennessey with one of his four driving wins on the card as the veteran matched the effort of leading driver Brett Beckwith in scoring grand slams on the Saturday program. 

Live racing continues on Sunday with a matinee set to kick off at 12 Noon.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Jessica Hallett and Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway