Racine Bell Takes Saratoga Open
Racine Bell, on the heels of a strong New York Sires Stakes campaign, exited state-bred competition and scored a win at the top of the condition sheet with a 1:53.2 victory in the $9,350 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Tuesday (Oct. 20).
The Dave Dewhurst-trained sophomore by So Surreal worked hard to get the lead going to a :26.2 first quarter over a track labeled "sloppy". Driver Jimmy Devaux gave Racine Bell a bit of a breather to a :56.3 half, but promptly hit the accelerator to three-quarters in 1:24.2. The filly held strong in the stretch to prevail for the ninth time in 22 starts. Bontz N has been the force among lady pacers at the Spa this season but came up second best while Alexis Faith earned the show spot.
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Racine Bell boosted her career earnings over the $280,000 mark with the victory. The sensational filly is owned by Chris and Dale Lawton of New York. Racine Bell was the even-money favourite and led an exacta that returned $10.40. There was no trifecta wagering in the race as the featured field was reduced to five members following a scratch.
Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon (Oct 26) at Saratoga with first-race post at 12:00 p.m. (EDT).
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)