Saratoga Springs, NY — Always Watching (He’s Watching) was a three-time Open winner last season at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Jordan Derue owns, trains and drives the mare who was one of the top handful of Open mares here in 2022.

Always Watching prevailed in 1:54.1 to record her first Open score of the campaign. Jessica Hallett photo.

After hitting the board in two of her first five tries in the ladies’ feature this year, Always Watching dropped in company last Tuesday to record her first victory in ’23. This Tuesday (April 25), it was back to the Open for Always Watching who wasted no time moving out to the front-end in the $17,000 feature.

Setting first-half fractions of :27.4 and :57, Always Watching was met with the challenge of a first-over favorite as Probert (Brett Beckwith) came after the leader. The Derue trainee held firm to prevail in 1:54.1 to record her first Open score of the campaign. The 8-5 second choice in the wagering, Always Watching bested Probert by 1-1/4 lengths to lead a $12.40 exacta. So Amazing (Leon Bailey) finished third to complete a $77 trifecta.

Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a first post set for 5 p.m.