Saratoga Springs, NY — Keystone Dakota continued his strong 2021 season with a 1:54 score in Tuesday’s (June 8) $10,250 feature for pacers at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Keystone Dakota strode powerfully to victory in Tuesday’s featured pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Melissa Simser-Iovino photo.

The 5-year-old son of Art Major was purchased by Howard Jacobs in March and moved to the Melissa Beckwith stable, where he has completely thrived, having taken a 1:51.4 lifetime mark at Yonkers Raceway just a few weeks ago.

Mark Beckwith piloted the rising star and moved him out to the early lead, making every pole a winning one and capping his mile with a :27.3 final quarter for his fifth victory in eight starts for his new connections. Saratoga newcomer Mr Big Wig (Billy Dobson) sat the pocket and finished second, while Sassy Hanover (Shawn Gray) earned the show spot.

Keystone Dakota, who paid $7.20 to win, led a $19.40 exacta and a $65.50 triple.

Live racing at Saratoga continues on Wednesday afternoon (June 9) with first post set for 12 noon.