Saratoga Springs, NY – Platinum AS recorded his first victory of the season in February and since has been a favorite of the betting public in the early stages of the 2026 season at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The 8-year-old came up second best on March 2 when he was a beaten favorite for the second consecutive week in the Open Trot, but this week the Melissa Beckwith trainee would not be denied.
Brett Beckwith co-owns and drives Platinum AS, who usually does the majority of his heavy lifting as a closer, but showed early speed on Monday (March 9) to make the lead. The 3-5 public choice in the $16,500 feature for high-steppers, Platinum AS cruised through a first quarter in :27.4 before getting a bit of a breather and reaching the half in :58 seconds.
Memorynimagination (Matt Athearn), a two-time Open winner in ’26, drew post eight on Monday and wound up coming first-over on the race’s favorite. The pursuit, while tenacious, proved futile, at least as far as trying to get to Platinum AS, who posted his second win of the year in 1:56.1. Memorynimagination was the runner-up, followed by 27-1 long shot In A Tiny Way (Aaron Byron) for the show spot.
Platinum AS gave Brett Beckwith one of his four winners on the Monday matinee card.
Live racing continues on Tuesday (March 10) with first post time set for noon.