Canadian-owned pacing mare Arizona secured her inaugural victory in the United States on Tuesday afternoon, 19th March. She conquered the $20,270 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Under the guidance of trainer Mark Beckwith, while racing for Wendy Warren Timpano of Campbellville, Ontario, Arizona started from post seven in an eight-horse distaff feature. Driver Brett Beckwith skillfully harnessed the early speed of the five-year-old Up The Credit mare, propelling her to take the lead. The fractions were rapid, with Arizona clocking in opening panels of :27 and :56.3. However, she faced a challenge from Saratoga's reigning Horse of the Year, Always Watching (piloted by Jordan Derue), who valiantly pressed forward in a first-over position. The demanding trip took its toll on the top horse of 2023 at Saratoga, but Arizona didn't falter and dispatched her competitor around the final turn. Swedish Starlet N, who had been pocket-sitting as the favourite, made a valiant attempt to catch Arizona in the stretch. However, her pursuit proved futile as the Beckwith-trained mare maintained her lead and crossed the finish line in 1:55.
Arizona paid out at odds of $4.90 for a win bet. Swedish Starlet N settled for second place, completing an exacta worth $9.20, while Always Watching held on to secure third place, rounding out a triple worth $59.50.
The victory marked Arizona's second win out of six races this year. Throughout this month, she has been competing in races south of the border. In 2023, she achieved an impressive feat by tying for the highest number of wins in Canada among pacing mares. With a total of 15 victories out of 31 starts at various racetracks across Ontario, she proved to be a formidable competitor under the guidance of breeder/trainer Mike Timpano. Notably, Saratoga became the sixth racetrack where she emerged victorious.