Always Watching & Jordan Derue

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

PURCHASE RACE PHOTOS

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