Betabcool N scored her first win in the local Fillies and Mares Open Handicap at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Friday night (June 9).

Bruce Aldrich Jr. piloted the seven-year-old Al Annunziata trainee in the $14,500 feature and wasted no time moving the 4-5 betting favourite out to the early lead. After sizzling through a first quarter in 27 seconds, Betabcool N got a big time second quarter breather before reaching the half in :57.1. Hounded by several rivals in the second half, the Bettors Delight mare held strong in the stretch and prevailed in 1:53.3. Last week’s Open winner Godiva Seelster (Wally Hennessey) came up second best on Friday while last week’s runner-up So Nice (Stephane Bouchard) had to settle for third this week.

Betabcool N was the first of three winners on the night for her connections as fellow distaffers Quick Draft A and Traceys Desire also scored victories for Aldrich and Annunziata. Blindswitch Racing Stable owns Betabcool N and Quick Draft A.

Annunziata also enjoyed Friday night success winning the top Tioga Downs distaff event with Blindswitch Racing Stable's Narcian Jewel.

Live racing continues on Saturday night at Saratoga with a 10-race card set to kick off at 6:45 p.m.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)