The Charging Moa N (Changeover) made her local debut on Thursday afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Patti Harmon-trained mare who drew post six in the six-horse Fillies and Mares Open came in as a winner of three races in four tries since coming to the U.S to compete out of the Harmon stable. The Charging Moa N wound up being the race’s 7-5 betting favorite as she got away last among the featured pacing mares. With honest fractions being set up front by fellow out-of-towner Shellie De Vie (Greg Merton), The Charging Moa N remained at the back of the pack in a half mile that went in 56.3. Third-over approaching three-quarters, driver Jay Randall tipped The Charging Moa N three-wide and charge she did. The eight year old distaffer made an impressive move and swooped the group in a matter of strides, going last to first and accelerating away from her rivals before stopping the timer in 1:53.4 over a track labeled ‘good.’ The Charging Moa N paid $4.90 to win in her local debut and bested Shellie De Vie who finished second for an exacta that returned $15.20. Bontz N (Billy Dobson) rounded out the triple that came back $46.00. The Charging Moa N became the third lady pacer to win the local Fillies and Mares Open this season for Harmon and Randall as they teamed up for victories in the distaff this spring with mares January A and Coveredndiamonds N.
Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a 6:45pm first post. There will be a $1,901 carryover in the Pick Five pool with the Pick Five beginning in the first race.
Mike Sardella
