Shezallapples A extended her winning streak in Thursday’s instalment of the Fillies and Mares Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
It wasn’t easy for the six-year-old mare, but Shezallapples A would not be denied in the $15,000 feature. She lasted on the lead despite pacing her first quarter in :26.4 and half in :56.2. Bruce Aldrich, Jr. piloted the Jose Godinez-trained mare and asked the 6-5 favourite to again pick up the pace heading to three quarters with a first-over rival closing in.
After trading strides throughout the final turn, Shezallapples A found a second wind before being approached by a new pair of challengers. It was 2018’s defending co-Horse of the Year, Spreester (Jimmy Devaux) came up the passing lane while Coveredndiamonds (Jay Randall) came charging down the center of the track.
Shezallapples A won the photo which showed the top three separated by only a head. The six participants in the Open were all within two lengths of each other at the finish. Shezallapples A win came in 1:53.4 and was the fifth in her last six starts and her second straight in the local Open. Coveredndiamonds N came up just inches shy of the win and had to settle for second-best while Spreester was third in her return to the Open.
The victory was the third consecutive in the Thursday feature for trainer Jose Godinez whose Westsluckycam prevailed the week before Shezallapples A rattled off her back-to-back jacks in the $15,000 Open for distaffers.
Live racing resumes on Saturday night at Saratoga with a first post time set for 6:45 p.m.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)