Eclipse Me N (Real Desire) prevailed in her 2019 debut while competing in the Fillies and Mares Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Thursday afternoon. The Rene Allard trainee enjoyed a $100,000+ campaign last season and debuted in the local feature off a pair of qualifiers that took place at Pocono Downs. With leading driver Billy Dobson in the bike, Eclipse Me N got a second-over trip in the five-horse field, following the cover of the race’s favorite.
Betabcool N (Bruce Aldrich Jr) enjoyed a hassle-free first lap on the lead before being met with the challenge of the favorite approaching three quarters. Eclipse Me N fanned off her cover around the final turn and came on in the final strides to best Betabcool N and secure the victory in the $15,000 feature. Betabcool N was the runner-up while Miss Irish Rose A earned the show spot. Eclipse Me N, who stopped the timer in 1:54.4, paid $7.70 to win and led an exacta that returned $30.00.
There is a Pick Five carryover of $3,061 on Saturday’s card at Saratoga with the Pick Five beginning in race one. First post time is set for 6:45pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
