Saratoga Springs, NY – Always Watching (He’s Watching) continued her breakout season on Monday (Dec. 5) afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Jordan Derue owns, trains and drives the 4-year-old distaffer who went coast-to-coast in the feature for Fillies and Mares to record her third victory in an Open this year.

Always Watching continued her breakout season with a victory in the feature today at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Melissa Simser photo.

Always Watching was the runner-up in last Monday’s (Nov. 28) Open and this week would not be denied. Derue flashed early speed with his stable star and got the quarter in a reasonable :28.3. Reaching the half in :57.1, Always Watching was comfortable throughout the mile in the $16,000 ladies’ feature before holding off pocket-sitter Fond Memories A (Larry Stalbaum) to score in 1:54.3.

The heavily favored Probert (Brett Beckwith) was tasked with coming from last on Monday and the 1-5 shot had to settle for third after prevailing in her two previous tries in the local Open for mares. Always Watching paid $9.30 to win as the second choice in the feature.

Fond Memories A was the race’s longshot and completed a $77 exacta. The triple with the favored Probert third came back $213.50. Always Watching is one of five nominees for Filly and Mare Pacer of the Year at Saratoga as a six-figure earner in her breakout campaign.

Live racing resumes on Saturday (Dec. 10) evening at Saratoga with a first post time of 5 p.m.