Artful Way (Artistic Fella) came up just shy of an Open win last weekend at Saratoga Casino Hotel when the Jackie Rousse-trained pacer got reeled in in the final strides of the $15,000 Open. On Friday night, Artful Way would not be denied as he changed tactics a bit and sat the pocket behind the race’s even money favorite JK Panache (Wally Hennessey). JK Panache powered out to the lead in a 27.1 opening quarter and paced consecutive 28 second quarters in the race’s middle half before being confronted by the pocket-pulling Artful Way. Those two speedsters battled it out in the final eighth of a mile before Artful Way came on to win in 1:51.2. JK Panache was a strong second while longshot Respectable Dream (Stephane Bouchard) earned the show spot. Artful Way returned $8.00 to win and led an exacta completed by the favorite that came back $11.80. The win was one of three on the card for trainer Jackie Rousse and driver Frank Coppola Jr who also teamed up for victories with claiming pacers Wayne The Lefty (Allamerican Ingot) and Jojo Jove (Village Jove).
Live racing continues on Saturday night at Saratoga with a 7:05pm first post.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
