by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga, NY — Artful Way (Artistic Fella) looks to be cementing his second consecutive Pacer of the Year honors at Saratoga Casino Hotel. On Saturday (Nov. 11), the Jackie Greene trainee secured his 12th win of the season and seventh victory in the local Open Pace.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Artful Way collects his 12th win of the season on Saturday at Saratoga.

The 5-year-old who earned top honors among pacers at the Spa in 2016 is actually having a better season in 2017 and on Saturday parlayed a pocket trip to victory, scoring in 1:51.4 with Frank Coppola Jr. in the sulky.

The race’s front-runner Deetzy (Billy Dobson) set sizzling fractions early on in the $19,500 feature but faded a bit late. Sitting a patient pocket in a first quarter in :26.3 and half in :55.4, Artful Way made his move approaching three-quarters and powered away from his rivals to score as the public’s 1-2 betting favorite.

Last week’s Open winner Rocknroll Wildcats (Jimmy Devaux) closed from last to finish second on Saturday while Chevals Clivesdale (Bruce Aldrich Jr) earned the show spot.

Coppola, who is running away with the lead in pursuit of his twelfth career driving title at Saratoga, piloted three winners on the Saturday card.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at the Spa with a 12:15 p.m. first post.