Robyn Camden lived up to 3-5 favouritism in the first Open of the season at Saratoga Casino Hotel, defeating four rivals in Wednesday's (March 3) $11,000 Fillies and Mares Open.
The six-year-old daughter of Art Professor got away last and sat patiently while Bontz N (Billy Dobson) rated a :58.3 first half. Long shot Pammy Jo (Shawn Gray) surged first-over nearing the half, and Jay Randall angled Robyn Camden into the outer flow to work into contention. When Pammy Jo cleared approaching three-quarters in 1:26.3, Royal Camden shifted gears, bypassing Pammy Jo in the stretch before edging away to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:55.2. Pammy Jo was a strong second, while Racine Bell (Brian Cross) escaped traffic trouble to finish third.
Robyn Camden, a 31-time winner in 67 lifetime starts, is trained by Rob Harmon for owner Jason O'Sullivan of Dublin, Ireland. She paid $3.50 to win.
Harmon and Randall also teamed up to win with pacing mare Mamama Moonshine, who took her Saratoga debut in 1:57.2 in a $7,200 conditioned event.
Live racing at Saratoga resumes on Monday afternoon (March 7) with first post set for 12 noon.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)