Hall of Famer Wally Hennessey rattled off four consecutive wins on the Monday afternoon 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. Hennessey got the task to pilot the Mark Beckwith-trained Arizona (Up The Credit) in the ladies’ feature.
The five year old distaffer flashed early speed before yielding to the race’s 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 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.
Arizona’s 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 5pm.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, New York
Jessica Hallett photo
