Saratoga Springs, NY – Mikibytheseaside (Always B Miki) was a winning machine upon coming to Saratoga Casino Hotel late last season. Trainer Andy Sardella acquired the young pacer in the fall of 2021 and wound up resting the then 3-year-old after he scored victories in his first three local starts.

Mikibytheseaside paid $16 in winning Saturday’s feature at Saratoga. Melissa Simser Photo.

After beginning his 2022 campaign with yet another victory in early April, Mikibytheseaside entered the Open. The rising star was the runner-up in his first three starts in the $15,000 Open Pace before hitting a brief lull.

The 4-year-old Sardella trainee drew the rail for Saturday’s (June 4) installment of the feature for pacers and despite being installed as the 3-1 second choice in the morning line was dismissed at odds of 7-1.

Yonkers invader Picard A (Jimmy Devaux) set sizzling fractions on the front end and although Mikibytheseaside was part of the early speed tussle, he popped the pocket heading towards the three-quarter pole. The young pacer ground the leader into submission turning for home before holding off a late charge from rival Belmont Major N (Leon Bailey) in the stretch to record his first Open victory.

Belmont Major N closed to finish second while the favored Points North (Luke Hanners) earned the show spot.

Mikibytheseaside paid $16 to win in the mild upset and led an exacta and triple that came back $46.20 and $108, respectively.

The winner is owned by Mike and Bill Pozefsky of NY who recorded a double on the card as their Gokudo Hanover (Shawn Gray) prevailed in a $9,350 event for claiming pacers.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon (June 5)at Saratoga with a first post set for noon.