Ontario-sired Caviart Caterina (by Tell All) has been a winning machine in 2017.
The Robert Marston trainee came to Saratoga Casino Hotel last week for the first time as an owner of 15 victories this season. The five-year-old mare finished fifth in her debut in the $19,500 Fillies and Mares Open at the Spa last week, but on Friday night, Caviart Caterina returned to her winning ways for owner Joseph Pisarski.
Shawn Gray piloted the 15-1 longshot, who wound up in the pocket spot in the Friday feature. The race’s 1-9 betting favourite Sally Fletcher A (Jim Devaux) tested her luck from off the pace in the Open and wound up getting a first-over journey in which she would grind it out on the outside for about five-eighths of a mile. Sally Fletcher A wound up wearing down the leader after pacing the third quarter in 27.3. Sally Fletcher A struck the lead in mid-stretch before Caviart Caterina surged up the inside to get by and stop the timer in 1:53.2.
Caviart Caterina paid $33.20 to win and led an exacta with Sally Fletcher A second that returned $46. Shutthefrontdoor (Phil Fluet) finished third and rounded out a triple that came back $175.50.
Live racing continues on Saturday night at Saratoga with a 6:45 p.m. first post.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)