Saratoga Springs, NY.–Moonshine Kisses (Sunshine Beach) completed a big day for his connections as the 5-year-old scored a victory in the Open Pace on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 31) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Winning the Open for the third time in his last four attempts, Moonshine Kisses, who benefited from a scratch of last week’s Open winner Quagmire Bluechip, wound up cruising out to the early lead in the $15,000 feature. Clicking off first-half fractions of :27 and :55.3, Moonshine Kisses never faced an anxious moment on Sunday, powering out to win decisively in 1:51.2 with Billy Dobson in the bike.

Moonshine Kisses wins Saratoga Open Pace in 1:51.2 with Billy Dobson driving. Cheyanne Mandy photo.

His race’s 2-5 betting favorite, Moonshine Kisses bested Matticulous GB (Larry Stalbaum) to complete a chalky $5.50 exacta. The triple with Gunpowder N (Phil Fluet) third paid $21.60.

The win was one of two on the day for the connections of Moonshine Kisses. Owners Kellogg Racing Stables, trainer Jackie Greene and driver Dobson also teamed up for a victory earlier in the day with veteran Artful Way (Artistic Fella). One of the winningest horses in the history of the Open Pace at Saratoga, Artful Way prevailed in a $12,300 conditional pace on Sunday to move the 9-year-old’s seasonal earnings to over the $100,000 mark and bumping his career bankroll to over three-quarters of a million dollars. For Moonshine Kisses, the win was his sixth in 17 starts this season. Dobson piloted four winners on the Sunday matinee card.

Live racing continues on Monday afternoon (Nov. 1) with action kicking off at noon.