Arizona (Up The Credit) continued her remarkable harness racing season with a victory in the Fillies and Mares Open on Monday afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The five-year-old mare, trained by Mark Beckwith, who is enjoying a historic season at the Spa, secured another triumph with Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey in the sulky.
Drawing post position three, Arizona went off as the 4-5 betting favourite in the $15,000 Open. Hennessey guided her to an early lead, setting a comfortable pace with an opening half-mile in 57.4 seconds. Facing little resistance, Arizona maintained her lead through three-quarters in 1:25.4. She cruised to a wire-to-wire victory, clocking in at 1:54.1, marking her fifth Open win at Saratoga this year and her ninth overall win of 2024.
Laurie Lee followed in second, with Huntressville A taking third in a race where closers struggled to make up ground.
Hennessey and Beckwith also teamed up for another victory with Smooth Landing, who dominated a $9,500 trot race, winning easily as the 1-9 favourite. Hennessey's five wins on the day further solidified his exceptional 2024 campaign.
Live racing will resume on Saturday evening at Saratoga, with the first post time set for 5 p.m.