Jackie Greene trainee scores again

Artful Way (Artistic Fella) was at it again. The Jackie Greene trainee scored another win in the Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday night as the harness racing  five year old destined to be the track's Pacer of the Year for the second straight season prevailed in the local Open for the eighth time of the year.

Artful Way blasted out to the early lead over a sloppy track on Saturday and the public's 4-5 betting favorite never had an anxious moment before stopping the timer in 1:53.

The track's Pacer of the Year in '16, Artful Way is having an even better year in '17 as his Saturday victory was his thirteenth of the campaign, eight of which have come in the local Open.

Dancin Yankee (Mark Beckwith) finished second in the $19,500 feature as he kept a streak of his own alive. The pacer who holds the all-time track record at the Spa has competed seven times in the Open this year and finished second or third in all seven.

Bet You (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot on Saturday as Artful Way cemented his Pacer of the Year status once again.

The local star will certainly be a top candidate to be Horse of the Year in '17 as well. Frank Coppola Jr, who piloted the superstar Artful Way to the victory, had a sensational night. The track's top driver piled up an amazing seven victories on the card, padding an already insurmountable lead in the driver standings. Trainer Jackie Greene had four winners on the Saturday program.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee beginning at 12:15pm.

Mike Sardella