Century Endeavor returns to winning form

Century Endeavor (Shadow Play) finished a strong second in the Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel two weeks ago when he drew the rail for his try in the harness racing feature. On Saturday night, the Melissa Beckwith trainee once again had the pole position in the Open and utilized it to his full advantage.

Brett Beckwith piloted Century Endeavor to a wire-to-wire victory for the eight-year old’s first win in the local Open. After powering out to a first quarter in 26.3, the veteran pacer got a bit of a breather before reaching the half in 56.2.

The 6-1 shot kept rolling along and never faced much of a challenge en route to his 1:52.4 score. Seventh Secret (Jimmy Devaux), a 34-1 longshot, sat the pocket to the winner and finished second while Hestherightstuff (Billy Dobson) toughed out a first-over journey to finish third in the $16,050 Open.

Century Endeavor, who is owned by Howard Jacobs of West Orange, NY, paid $15.60 to win in his first feature score and led an exacta and triple that returned $238.50 and $536, respectively.

CENTURY ENDEAVOR REPLAY

For trainer Melissa Beckwith, who sits second in the local trainer standings at the Spa this season, the win for Century Endeavor was her stable’s first Open Pace victory of the year.

Live racing continues on Sunday with a matinee that begins at noon.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway