Harness racing Hall of Famer Wally Hennessey rattled off four consecutive wins on the Monday afternoon (June 10) card at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The veteran reinsman scored victories in races five through eight on the program which was highlighted by the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace.
Hennessey got the task to pilot the Mark Beckwith-trained Arizona (Up The Credit) in the ladiesā feature. The five-year-old distaffer flashed early speed before yielding to the raceās favorite Racine Bell (Jimmy Devaux).
Arizona prowled the pocket as millionairess Racine Bell rattled off first-half fractions of 26.4 and 55.4. Hennessey popped the pocket heading towards three-quarters and Arizona unleashed a full-blown attack on the favorite pacing into a big lead heading into the final turn. Arizona scored her third Open win of the season winning by six lengths in a mile clocked in 1:52.2.
Racy Roxy A (Jay Randall) closed to finish second at odds of 10-1 while the 1-2 favorite Racine Bell had to settle for third.
ARIZONA REPLAY
Arizona was one of four straight winners on the day for Hennessey. The Open win was one of two for trainer Mark Beckwith who sits atop the trainer standings at the Spa this season. Arizonaās owner Wendy Warren Timpano had two wins on the day as she teamed up with Beckwith for a victory with I Loved Her First in a $9,500 pacing event for fillies and mares.
Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a first post time of 5:00 pm.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway