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.
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)