Knockout Round (Sweet Lou) made his Saratoga debut a winning on Tuesday afternoon in the matinee’s featured race. Larry Stalbaum picked up the catch-drive for trainer Melissa Beckwith behind Knockout Round who romped in the qualifier that began his season. The four year old wound up being heavily backed by the betting public and went off as the 1-9 favorite in the $10,750 feature for colt and gelding pacers and Stalbaum wasted little time moving the big favorite out to the early lead. The Saratoga newbie cruised unopposed in a first lap that went in 56.4 before rattling off three quarters in 1:25.3 and padding his lead seemingly with every stride before powering away to score a decisive three and a quarter length win in 1:55.3. Knockout Round, a three-time winner in ’25, was one of two winners out of the Beckwith stable on Tuesday as young pacer Mr Mctygue set a lifetime mark in a non-winners of two race lifetime event stopping the timer in a career-best 1:58.3 with Jacob Cutting in the sulky.
Live racing resumes on Saturday at Saratoga with a matinee that begins at 12pm. There is a carryover of $10,095 in the Jackpot Super High Five.
Mike Sardella | Saratoga Casino Hotel | Saratoga Springs, NY
Jessica Hallett photo
