Last Saturday night, Artful Way (Artistic Fella) blasted out to the early lead in the $15,000 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. Though the harness racing four year old flashed incredible turn of foot early in the 1 1/16 mile feature last week, Artful Way tired late before fading to a sixth place finish.
This week, the tune was much different for the Jackie Rousse-trained pacer. Frank Coppola Jr. once again powered Artful Way out early but eased him back before yielding to rival Spinarama (Austin Siegelman).
Spinarama got a big time second quarter breather but was hounded by the race's favorite JK Panache who was first over.
Dismissed at odds of 12-1, Spinarama turned back JK Panache but Artful Way got loose late and surged up the passing lane before hitting the wire first in 2:00 for the 1 1/16 mile.
Spinarama held second while E Z Noah (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot.
Artful Way returned $9.00 to win and led an exacta and triple that came back $80.00 and $375.50, respectively.
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a matinee beginning at 12:15pm.
Mike Sardella