Platinum As recorded his first victory of the season back in February and since has been a favorite of the betting public in the early stages of the 2026 season at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The eight year old came up second-best last Monday (March 2) when a beaten favorite for the second consecutive week in the Open Trot but this week, the Melissa Beckwith trainee would not be denied. Brett Beckwith co-owns and drives Platinum As, who does the majority of his heavy lifting as a closer, showed early speed on Monday to make the lead. The 3-5 public choice in the $16,500 feature for high-steppers, Platinum As cruised through a first quarter in 27.4 before getting a bit of a breather and reaching the half in 58 seconds. Memorynimagination (Matt Athearn), a two-time Open winner in ’26, drew post eight on Monday and wound up coming first-over on the race’s favorite. The pursuit, while tenacious, proved futile, at least as far as trying to get to Platinum As who would not be denied. The second win of the year for Platinum As came in 1:56.1 while Memorynimagination was the runner-up. Longshot In A Tiny Way (Aaron Byron) earned the show spot. Platinum As gave Brett Beckwith one of his four winners on the Monday matinee card.
Live racing continues on Tuesday with first post time set for 12pm.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
