Spreester (American Ideal) made her return to Saratoga Casino Hotel a winning one last week as trainer Paul Zabielski re-acquired the mare before last week’s start in the local Fillies and Mares Open. Spreester went last to first to prevail in her return to the Spa last week and on Friday night was dismissed at odds of 6-1 as she looked to repeat. Spreester wound up first over in the $12,000 feature for distaffers and the seven year old made a power move to challenge front-running Tempus Seelster (Billy Dobson). Those two battled it out for nearly a half mile before Spreester drew away at the head of the stretch and won in 1:53, the fastest time for a pacing mare thus far this season at Saratoga. Tempus Seelster finished second while Betabcool N (Bruce Aldrich Jr) earned the show spot. Spreester, who has now earned over $675,000 in her career, paid $15.20 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $55.50 and $141.50 with the race’s top two favorites finishing in the money with her. Spreester was driven to victory by Frank Coppola Jr.
Live racing continues on Saturday night with a first post time of 6:45pm.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser-Iovino
