Maureen Salino trainee dominates

Be A Sport (Sportsmaster) lengthened his harness racing win streak on Thursday at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

The Maureen Salino trainee dominated in his final two starts of 2015 winning by a combined 18.5 lengths.

In the four year old's first start of '16, 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 participate in Sunday afternoon's Open Trot.

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

Mike Sardella