by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Be A Sport (Sportsmaster) lengthened his win streak on Thursday (March 17) at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Be A Sport was a 1:58.1 winner on Thursday at Saratoga.

The Maureen Salino trainee dominated in his final two starts of 2015, winning by a combined 18-1/2 lengths. In the 4-year-old pacer’s first start of 2016, Be A Sport cruised to another convincing victory last week and subsequently was the race’s 1-9 betting favorite on Thursday evening at the Spa.

Starting from post position one, Be A Sport had no trouble making the early lead before holding off a late challenge from pocket sitter Mikado Blue Chip (Frank Coppola Jr.) who ended up second best. Sports Force (Austin Siegelman) earned the show spot.

Be A Sport, who was piloted by Mark Beckwith, was the race’s overwhelming favorite as he completed his grand slam in the $6,400 pace for colts and geldings who were non-winners of two races or $15,000 lifetime.

Be A Sport is owned by Nick Tallarico and Tom Vassilou, the same combination who own the Spa’s back-to-back Trotter of the Year Slugfest, who will participate in Sunday afternoon’s Open Trot.

Live racing continues on Friday at Saratoga with a first post time set for 6:45 p.m.