Royal Mission, a two year old filly by Chapter Seven out of the RC Royalty mare Swinging Royalty, scored her first career victory on Friday evening at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Marcus Melander-trained freshman got perfect Brett Beckwith piloting in the $148,500 featured New York Sire Stakes race on Friday as the meet’s leading driver powered the 6-5 second-choice in the wagering up to take over the lead approaching the half mile pole. Royal Mission clicked off a half in 59.2 while the favored My Debt Collecter and reinsman Tyler Buter got going from the “back of the pack” in the four-horse feature for freshman fillies. Royal Mission rattled off three quarters in 1:28.1 and was met with the challenge of the favorite in the final furlong before holding the 1-2 public choice off en route to securing her first career victory. Royal Mission stopped the timer in 1:58.1 for a victory which more than doubled the lifetime earnings of the Melander trainee who now has four starts under her belt. Royal Mission is owned by Jeffrey Snyder of New York, NY. My Debt Collecter finished second while Calculus Risk (Wally Hennessey) earned the show spot in the rich race for the freshmen. Beckwith piloted four winners on the Friday card to extend his lead in the local driver standings.
Live racing continues on Saturday evening at Saratoga with live racing kicking off at 5pm.
Mike Sardella recap
