Dibaba N, by Shadow Play, made her Saratoga Casino Hotel debut a winning one during the Thursday (Nov. 21) feature at the ‘Spa.’

The five-year-old mare was making her first start out of the Jose Godinez stable when she went off as the public’s 1-9 betting favourite in the $18,000 Fillies and Mares Open.

Dibaba N got away last in the field of five distaffers, but when leading driver Billy Dobson called on the talented New Zealand invader, she appeared every bit up to the task.

First-over on local Open staple Bontz N (who was driven by Jimmy Devaux), Dibaba N had little difficulty pacing past the leader in a third quarter that went in 27.3 before drawing away to win by open lengths in 1:54.3.

Dibaba N, pictured in victory at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019.

Bontz N held strong for second to continue her breakout season at Saratoga, while longshot Hilaria (Brett Crawford) earned the show spot.

Courtesy of the victory, Dibaba N became the fifth different female pacer to win the Fillies and Mares Open for Godinez this year at Saratoga.

Live racing will resume at the Spa on Saturday evening. First post time is set for 6:45 p.m.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)