Our Els Dream N became the third Al Annunziata trainee to record a win in the Fillies and Mares Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel this year.
The eight-year-old mare wound up getting a first over journey in Friday’s $18,000 Open for distaffers. The race’s favourite faltered on the engine and Our Els Dream N took advantage, cruising by in the stretch before stopping the timer in 1:53.2. Stylish Beachwhere (Frank Coppola, Jr.) followed the winner’s cover and ended up as the runner-up while West Liberty (Jim Devaux) earned the show spot.
Our Els Dream N is the third Annunziata-trained mare to win the Open at the Spa this season as the New Zealand bred mare joined fellow New Zealander Betacool N and Australian invader Quick Draft A as top flight lady pacers to prevail in the Fillies and Mares Open at the Spa this year. Our Els Dream N paid $11.80 to win
She was driven to victory by Bruce Aldrich, Jr. who piloted his 7,000th career winner on Wednesday at Monticello and was recognized for the feat on Thursday at Saratoga with a presentation in the winner’s circle. Aldrich currently sits fourth in the local driver standings but well behind Billy Dobson who had a six-win night on Friday.
Live racing continues on Saturday at Saratoga with first post time set for 6:45 p.m.
(Saratoga Casino Hotel)