Laurie Lee made her return to Saratoga Casino Hotel a winning one on Tuesday, March 11, when the Peter Pellegrino-trained pacing mare went coast-to-coast in the matinee’s feature. 

The eight-year-old Royel Millennium-Angela mare drew the rail for her Tuesday try in the $21,429 Open Handicap for distaffers. Reinsman Jimmy Devaux wanted the lead at all costs and turned back an early bid from a rival to secure the front-end in a sizzling first quarter that went in :26.3. The tempo remained hot on a warmer March afternoon in the Spa City as Laurie Lee checked in at the half in :55.3 and remained unopposed while rattling off three-quarters in 1:24.3. Laurie Lee opened up a lead that would prove to be insurmountable in the stretch before she stopped the timer in 1:53.3, a clocking that marked the fastest for any horse on the still young season at the Spa.  Co-favoured Quarrel (Jay Randall) was the runner-up to Laurie Lee while Magical Maya A (Matt Athearn) finished third despite being parked the mile in the feature. 

Laurie Lee paid $8.90 to win in the mild upset. Coming off back-to-back wins at Pocono Downs, she made it three straight from seven season starts for owner June Hamerla of Brunsville, Georgia. 

Live harness racing continues on Wednesday with a matinee that starts at 12 noon.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)