Bontz N overcame her disqualification in the feature last week at Saratoga Casino Hotel to win the $15,000 Filly and Mares Open Pace on Tuesday (Sept. 21).
The 10-year-old mare had to pace her first quarter in :26.4 to get to the front but got a nice breather once she settled in. After completing the first lap in :57, Bontz N was tested first-over by a longshot who took the lead at three-quarters but never got clear of the stubborn and gusty Bontz N who rallied on the rail to reclaim the lead heading for home. The six pacing mares in the Open were separated by a total of about three lengths from leader to last at the head of the stretch. But late in the game, it was still Bontz N who had enough left to prevail in 1:53.4, a seasonal-best-matching time for the Levine trainee.
The winningest mare in the local feature over the course of the last three seasons, Bontz N’s Tuesday score was her first in the Open this year. Invader Stowaway Hanover came from last to finish second to Bontz N while Somebeachsomefra earned the show spot.
Bontz N paid $8.10 to win and led an exacta and triple that came back $43.40 and $169.50, respectively. The winner, who is owned by April Aldrich of Greenfield Center, N.Y., accounted for one of two victories on the card for defending leading trainer Gary Levine. Hennessey piloted three winners on the matinee card.
Live racing resumes on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 26) at Saratoga with a first post time set for 12 p.m. (EDT).
(with files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)