Trainer Jose Godinez has brought several different distaffers to Saratoga Casino Hotel to compete in the Fillies and Mares Open over the last few years. On Thursday afternoon (May 16), Godinez unveiled Shezallapples A for the first time at the Spa, winning the $15,000 feature in 1:53.3.
The six-year-old Australian daughter of Sportswriter came to town as a winner in three of her last four starts and was subsequently the Open’s even-money betting favourite after she drew the rail. Bruce Aldrich Jr. put Shezallapples A on the lead and after she cruised unopposed in a :56.3 first, she was met with a first-over challenge from Coveredndiamonds N (Jay Randall).
Shezallapples A proved up to the task, drawing clear in the stretch to best runner-up Coveredndiamonds N and third-place finisher Queen Elsa (Steve Genois).
The win was the second straight in the Fillies and Mares Open for Godinez, and it was his stable’s third victory in the ladies’ feature at the Spa in its last five installments. Last week, Westsluckycam prevailed for Godinez and Aldrich, while Sally Fletcher A took an April Open for those same connections.
For Shezallapples A, the win was her fourth in eight starts in the United States.
Live racing resumes on Saturday evening (May 18) at Saratoga with first post time set for 7:05 p.m.
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)