Invader Robyn Camden (Art Professor) has won at a high percentage in her somewhat limited tries at Saratoga Casino Hotel over the course of the last few years. On Wednesday afternoon, the Rob Harmon trainee was the 3-5 betting favorite in the season’s first local Open. Starting from post five in the five-horse Fillies and Mares Open, Robyn Camden got away last and sat patiently throughout a first half that went in 58.3. Longshot Pammy Jo (Shawn Gray) surged first-over approaching the half and Robyn Camden followed that distaffer’s cover into contention. When Pammy Jo cleared approaching the three-quarter pole, Robyn Camden shifted gears. The six year old mare confronted and then bypassed Pammy Jo in the stretch before edging away late to win in 1:55.2. Pammy Jo was a strong second while Racine Bell (Brian Cross) finished third in the first installment of the season of the $11,000 Fillies and Mares Open. Robyn Camden, who is owned by Jason Osullivan of Dublin, IR, paid $3.50 to win and led an exacta that returned $24.40. Jay Randall was the winning driver behind Robyn Camden who now has 31 wins in 67 lifetime starts. Harmon and Randall also teamed up for a victory on Wednesday with pacing mare Mamama Moonshine (Rockin Image) who made her local debut a winning one, going coast-to-coast in 1:57.2 in a $7,200 race.
Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon at Saratoga (March 7th) with first post time set for Noon.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino