Saratoga Springs, NY — On Tuesday afternoon (March 19), Arizona (Up The Credit) won for the first time since coming to Saratoga Casino Hotel earlier in the month.

Arizona held on to win in 1:55. Jessica Hallett photo.

The Mark Beckwith-trained mare drew post seven in an eight-horse Fillies and Mares Open Pace and driver Brett Beckwith found some early speed from the 5-year-old distaffer who marched to the front end in the $15,000 Open. The fractions were fast in the feature as Arizona clicked off first-half fractions of :27 and :56.3 before being confronted by defending Horse of the Year Always Watching (Jordan Derue) who toughed it out first-over.

The trip took its toll on the track’s top horse of 2023 and Arizona put that one away around the final turn. Pocket-sitting favorite Swedish Starlet N (Matt Athearn) took her shot at Arizona in the stretch but the chase proved futile as the Beckwith trainee held on to win in 1:55 for her first Open victory. Swedish Starlet N was second-best to complete a $9.20 exacta while Always Watching held on to be third and rounded out a $59.50 triple.

Arizona, who is owned by Wendy Warren Timpano, paid $4.90 to win.

The feature score was one of three on the day for the Beckwith stable and one of six for reinsman Brett Beckwith who has gotten his ’24 campaign off to a sensational start.

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