The Dave Dewhurst-trained Racine Bell (So Surreal-Ty’s Artist-Real Artist) was a superstar in the New York Sire Stakes circuit this summer for the second consecutive year. After the conclusion of her stakes career in September, the super sophomore has become a regular in the Fillies and Mares Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel. On Tuesday afternoon, the three year old worked hard to get the lead going a sizzling 26.2 first quarter over a track labeled ‘sloppy.’ Driver Jimmy Devaux gave Racine Bell a bit of a breather in quarter two but after going a half in 56.3, she turned it on again clicking off three quarters in 1:24.2. The filly held strong in the stretch to prevail for the ninth time in 22 lifetime starts, stopping the timer in 1:53.2 to record her first win in the local Open. Bontz N (Billy Dobson) has been the force among lady pacers at the Spa this season and came up second-best in the $9,350 feature on Tuesday while Alexis Faith (Phil Fluet) earned the show spot. Racine Bell boosted her career earnings to over the $280,000 mark with the victory. The sensational filly is owned by Chris and Dale Lawton of New York. The win was one of two for Dewhurst on the card as he teamed up with Devaux for a score with claiming pacer Pantheon Hanover who won for the third time in his last four starts. Racine Bell was the even money favorite and led an exacta with Bontz N that returned $10.40. There was no trifecta wagering in the race as the featured field was reduced to five members following a scratch.
Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon (Oct 26) at Saratoga with a Noon first post.
