Another Open victory for

Always Watching (He’s Watching) continued her breakout harness racing season on Monday afternoon (Dec. 5) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Jordan Derue owns, trains and drives the four-year-old distaffer who went coast-to-coast in the feature for Fillies and Mares to record her third victory in an Open this year. Always Watching was the runner-up in last Monday’s (Nov 28) Open and this week would not be denied.

Derue flashed early speed with his stable star and got the quarter in a reasonable 28.3. Reaching the half in 57.1, Always Watching was comfortable throughout the mile in the $16,000 ladies’ feature before holding off pocket-sitter Fond Memories A (Larry Stalbaum) to score in 1:54.3.

The heavily favored Probert (Brett Beckwith) was tasked with coming from last on Monday and the 1-5 shot had to settle for third after prevailing in her two previous tries in the local Open for mares.

Always Watching paid $9.30 to win as the second choice in the feature. Fond Memories A was the race’s longshot and completed a $77 exacta. The triple with the favored Probert third cambacke  $213.50. Always Watching is one of five nominees for Filly and Mare Pacer of the Year at Saratoga as a six-figure earner in her breakout campaign.

ALWAYS WATCHING REPLAY

Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a first post time of 5pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway