Always Watching (He’s Watching) continued her breakout season on Monday afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Jordan Derue owns, trains and drives the four year old distaffer who went coast-to-coast in the feature for Fillies and Mares to record her third victory in an Open this year. Always Watching was the runner-up in last Monday’s (Nov 28) Open and this week would not be denied.
Derue flashed early speed with his stable star and got the quarter in a reasonable 28.3. Reaching the half in 57.1, Always Watching was comfortable throughout the mile in the $16,000 ladies’ feature before holding off pocket-sitter Fond Memories A (Larry Stalbaum) to score in 1:54.3. The heavily favored Probert (Brett Beckwith) was tasked with coming from last on Monday and the 1-5 shot had to settle for third after prevailing in her two previous tries in the local Open for mares.
Always Watching paid $9.30 to win as the second-choice in the feature. Fond Memories A was the race’s longshot and completed a $77 exacta. The triple with the favored Probert third came back $213.50. Always Watching is one of five nominees for Filly and Mare Pacer of the Year at Saratoga as a six-figure earner in her breakout campaign.
Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a first post time of 5pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser
