Carrickmannon N made her debut in the feature on Friday night (June 17) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The Lis Mara mare moved first over on the race’s big favourite in the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace and cruised by to prevail in a career-best 1:52.3. Stephane Bouchard piloted Carrickmannon N to her 10th win in 15 seasonal starts.
The six-year-old New Zealand invader powered past the 2-5 shot Godiva Seelster (Wally Hennessey) while breaking that one’s impressive five-race winning streak. Godiva Seelster had to settle for second in the feature for distaffers while Bettorhaveanother (Frank Coppola Jr.) earned the show spot.
Carrickmannon N returned $7.80 to win and led an exacta and triple that paid $21.20 and $81, respectively.
While it was the first career victory in the Open for Carrickmannon N, the win was number six in the Fillies and Mares Open in 2016 for her connections -- owner Mike Casalino Jr. and trainer Chris Marino -- as their Campanile has recorded five wins in the Friday features at the Spa thus far this year.
(With files from Saratoga)