With precisely zero races being won on the front end during the first nine dashes on the card, trainer Bruce Saunders must have liked his chances with his Betalady in the 10th race, the featured $22,500 winners-over $11,500 for fillies and mares on the pace Friday night at The Meadowlands.

After all, in her Big M return a week ago, the four-year daughter of Bettors Delight-Lady Jake swung four-wide into the stretch to gun down favourite Tango Dancer N at the wire. It worked so well, in fact, she tried the same tactic this time around.

Betalady got away from the gate fifth from post position six in the seven-horse field as Bye Bye Felicia sprinted the opening panel in :27.1. Yannick Gingras made an aggressive move soon thereafter with Wingding Hanover at the three-eighths to grab the lead and was sailing along on the point at the half in :55.4.

Tango Dancer N, the 3-1 second choice, was now in play first-over with Betalady following the tow of the second-over Shes Nun Bettor N on the rim. When the field hit the top of the stretch, Wingding Hanover was still moving well on the lead as Corey Callahan swung Betalady off her third-over journey four-wide for the stretch drive.

At the eighth pole, Wingding Hanover was clear by about two lengths, but Betalady just kept on coming, and in a thrilling finish, got up by a nose in 1:51.2 after pacing her final quarter in :26.1. Shes Nun Bettor N was third.

“Last week, she was explosive as well,” said Saunders. “I’ve only had her short term, but she’s been sensational. We debated putting her in the Blue Chip Matchmaker [at Yonkers] but she made breaks in her last two starts there. She’s a very good filly.”

Betalady, owed by M&L of Delaware, returned $4.80 to win as the 7-5 favourite. She’s won eight of 33 career starts – including three of her last four at The Big M – and now has earnings of $191,786.

“I would prefer to race against her own age group,” said Saunders. “But we have seen mares step up and do well against older foes. If we find our spots, in today’s world, with The Meadowlands, Pocono and [Harrah’s Philadelphia], hopefully, she can have a six-figure season and then we’ll have a nice five-year-old next year. I wouldn’t trade her for any four-year-old racing right now.”

(Meadowlands)