VEL Straight Out (Straight Shooting) overcame post eight to prevail in the Tuesday feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The five year old mare came to town off back-to-back wins in the Monticello Fillies and Mares Open but drew post eight for her first Spa start. Competing in the $12,000 feature for distaffers, VEL Straight Out got away sixth from the eight hole and remained there at the half mile pole after a first lap that saw the race’s top two betting choices spar for the lead. Driver Dan Rawlings tipped VEL Straight Out three deep around the final turn and the sharp mare kept making progress until completing her swoop of the group to score in 1:56.2 at odds of 10-1. Longshot Always Watching (Jordan Derue) closed to be second at 18-1 while the triple was rounded out by Magical Mistress (Jimmy Devaux). VEL Straight Out served as one of three winners on the card for owner Cliff Grundy, trainer Tammy Sowers and reinsman Dan Rawlings.
Live racing resumes on Monday with a matinee starting at 12pm.