Saratoga Springs, NY — Stars Align A (Art Major) recorded his first local Open Pace victory on Saturday night (March 30) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Stars Align A recorded his first local Open Pace victory on Saturday night. Mikayla Gray photo.

The Rene Allard trainee got a tough trip a few weeks back in his debut in the local feature, but on Saturday night, a first- over journey worked out very well for the Yonkers invader.

Steve Genois got the driving assignment behind Stars Align A who overpowered one of the race’s co-favorites when first-over en route to the 1:52.3 score.

Stars Align A’s win wasn’t just his first Open win but gave Genois his first Open victory since coming to Saratoga to drive last year.

Crockets Cullen N (Larry Stalbaum) shook loose late and charged hard in the stretch before finishing second while last week’s Open winner JK Panache (Jimmy Devaux) earned the show spot.

Stars Align A paid $13.80 to win in the mild upset and led an exacta and triple that came back $104 and $731, respectively.

Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at Saratoga with a first post time of 12 p.m.