Godiva Seelster (by Camluck) continued her sensational season on Friday night at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. The five-year-old pacing mare recorded her second consecutive victory in the $18,000 Fillies and Mares Open with a front-end effort in 1:52.3.
Wally Hennessey powered Godiva Seelster out early and as several leavers settled in, Hennessey drove on, making the lead in :27 seconds flat. Just like last week, the Hall of Fame reinsman got the mare a solid second quarter breather before stepping on the gas in the third quarter to the tune of :27.3. Godiva Seelster had to hold off the late challenge from rival So Nice (Austin Siegelman), who she bested in last week’s Open. So Nice, once again, was the bridesmaid in the feature for distaff pacers, settling for second. Longshot Bell On Wheels (Stephane Bouchard) saved ground behind the top two throughout and finished third.
For the Dan Hennessey-trained Godiva Seelster, the win was her 10th on the season in 19 starts. She paid $13.40 to win in the mild upset leading an exacta that returned $43.80 and a triple that came back $454. Godiva Seelster is owned by Paul and Patricia O'Neil of Saratoga Springs, New York.
(With files from Saratoga Raceway)