Spreester went wire-to-wire in the Friday feature at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
The Paul Zabielski-trained American Ideal mare was a star in the New York Sire Stakes in the previous two seasons and this year has established herself as a force in the Fillies and Mares Open in her four-year-old campaign.
Jim Devaux piloted Spreester, the race’s 3-2 second choice in the wagering, and moved her out to the early lead in Friday’s $19,250 Open for distaffers. Its A Miracle (Bruce Aldrich Jr.), the race’s favourite and runner-up in last week’s feature, sat the pocket to Spreester, but never posed a big threat to the leader, who cruised through a comfortable first half of :57.2. Spreester stopped the timer in 1:54.1 after sprinting home in a final quarter of :27.4 to secure her sixth win of the season and 20th in 53 career starts. Its A Miracle had to settle for being a bridesmaid again this week while Ella V Horse (Stephane Bouchard) came from a long way back to earn the show spot.
Spreester is owned by Kim Zabielski of Greenfield Center, New York.
(With files from Saratoga Raceway)