by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Artful Way prevailed in Saturday’s (March 18) feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Artful Way proves why he was the 2016 Pacer of the Year at Saratoga with another trip to familiar territory; the winner’s circle.

The Jackie Greene trainee was the 2016 Pacer of the Year at the Spa and headed into Saturday’s Open Pace off a fast second place finish in his second start of the season. Again starting from the outside post in the $12,000 Open, Artful Way flashed early speed and carried on to the front end for driver Frank Coppola Jr.

The 5-year-old pacer does his best work on the lead and was true to that trend on Saturday night as he held tough in the stretch before stopping the timer in 1:53.3 for his first win of the campaign.

Deetzy (Stephane Bouchard) closed sharply for second while longshot Chantepleure (Jim Devaux) earned the show spot.

Artful Way was the 2-1 second choice in the wagering and led an exacta and triple that paid $27 and $198, respectively. Owned by the Kellogg Racing Stables, Artful Way now has 21 wins in 71 career starts and has amassed more than $236,000 in lifetime earnings. His win was one of two on the night for conditioner Jackie Greene.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (March 19) at Saratoga with a matinee that kicks off at 12:15 p.m.