Godiva Seelster made her return to the Saratoga raceway a winning one on Friday night (May 20).

The Dan Hennessey-trained Camluck mare competed at a high level this winter and spring at Pompano Park in Florida and handled the adjustment back to the north with ease as she scored in the $15,000 Open Handicap for fillies and mares.

Godiva Seelster left quickly and wound up sitting the pocket to the race’s favourite in the 1-1/16 miles Friday feature. After three-quarters went in a quick 1:25, the leader tired when confronted by longshot My Spring Fling (Jim Devaux). Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey found clearance around the final turn and snuck Godiva Seelster off the pylons, and she charged hard to get by My Spring Fling and secure her third victory of the year. My Spring Fling, who was dismissed at odds of 50-1, finished a strong second while Bettorhaveanother (Frank Coppola Jr.) came on to earn the show spot. Godiva Seelster, who is owned by Paul and Patti O’Neil of Saratoga Springs, stopped the timer in 2:00.2 for the 1-1/16 miles.

(With files from Saratoga)