Campanile prevailed in the main event on opening night of the 2016 racing season at Saratoga Raceway.
One of the most consistent mares at the Spa in the past several years, the Chris Marino-trained Campanile moved out to the early lead in the $12,000 Friday feature which was contested at a distance of a mile and 1/16.
Driver Austin Siegelman guided the seven-year-old daughter of No Pan Intended through second and third quarters in :29 seconds before holding off a late challenge from the race’s favourite, Bye Bye Michelle (Mark Beckwith), to win in 2:00.4. Longshot Jennas Patriot (Jim Devaux) came charging hard to finish third.
It was the fourth victory of the season for Campanile who has recorded wins at four different tracks in 2016.
The 75th anniversary weekend celebration continues at Saratoga on Saturday night with a 6:45 p.m. first post. There will be a t-shirt giveaway on Sunday afternoon in conjunction with the matinee that begins at 12:15 p.m.
(Saratoga Raceway)