Two-year-old trotting filly Royal Mission scored her first career victory in New York Sire Stakes action on Friday evening, Aug. 9 at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The Marcus Melander-trained freshman got perfect Brett Beckwith piloting in the $206,250 New York Sire Stakes as the meet’s leading driver powered the 6-5 second-choice in the wagering up to take over the lead approaching the half-mile pole. Royal Mission clicked off a half in :59.2 while the favoured My Debt Collecter and reinsman Tyler Buter got going from the back of the pack in the field scratched down to just four starters. Royal Mission rattled off three-quarters in 1:28.1 and was met with the challenge of the favourite in the final furlong before holding the 1-2 public choice off en route to securing her first career victory. Royal Mission stopped the timer in 1:58.1 for a victory which more than doubled her lifetime earnings and followed top three finishes in her first three NYSS appearances.
The filly by Chapter Seven out of the RC Royalty mare Swinging Royalty is owned by Jeffrey Snyder of New York City.
Royal Mission paid $4.50 to win. My Debt Collecter finished second while Calculus Risk (Wally Hennessey) earned the show spot and Boost (Jason Bartlett) completed the field.
Beckwith piloted four winners on the Friday card to extend his lead in the local driver standings.
Live harness racing continues on Saturday evening at Saratoga with post time at 5 p.m.
(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)