The Charging Moa N (by Changeover) made her local debut on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 7) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The Patti Harmon-trained mare that started from Post 6 in the six-horse Fillies and Mares Open came in as a winner of three races in four tries since coming to the U.S. to compete out of the Harmon stable.
The Charging Moa N, who wound up being the race’s 7-5 betting favourite, got away last among the featured pacing mares.
With honest fractions being set up front by fellow out-of-towner Shellie De Vie (who was driven by Greg Merton), The Charging Moa N remained at the back of the pack through the opening half mile that was clocked in :56.3.
Third-over approaching three-quarters, driver Jay Randall tipped The Charging Moa N three-wide – and charge she did.
The eight-year-old distaffer made an impressive move and swooped the group in a matter of strides, as she went from last to first and accelerating away from her rivals before stopping the timer in 1:53.4 over a track labelled ‘good.’
The Charging Moa N paid $4.90 to win in her local debut and bested Shellie De Vie who finished second for an exacta that returned $15.20. Bontz N (Billy Dobson) rounded out the triple that came back $46.00.
The Charging Moa N became the third female pacer to taste victory in the local Fillies and Mares Open this season for Harmon and Randall, as they teamed up for victories in the distaff this spring with mares January A and Coveredndiamonds N.
Live racing at Saratoga will resume on Saturday with a 6:45 p.m. first post. There will be a $1,901 carryover in the Pick Five pool (the Pick Five begins in the first race).
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)