Watermelon Sugar (Huntsville) extended her impressive win streak on Monday afternoon at Saratoga Casino Hotel as the Brian Cross-trained and driven filly continues to dazzle in her first season on the track. Watermelon Sugar stepped up into the $10,500 winners of two but not more than five race lifetime condition last week (April 19) and scored a career-best victory. On Monday, the three year old was tasked with taking on a big favorite in her race and despite coming in on a five race win streak, Watermelon Sugar was the second choice in the wagering. With the favorite on the front end, Brian Cross sat patiently with his stable’s newest star before unleashing her approaching the half mile pole. Watermelon Sugar surged right past the favorite before opening up an imposing lead at the three quarter pole and going on to win in 1:54.2, a new lifetime mark. The filly will head into next week’s Virginia O’Brien Pacing Series as the one to beat being that she will be riding a six-race win streak for owner Brian Rozell of Queensbury, NY. In her most recent victory, Watermelon Sugar paid $5.80 to win and moved her seasonal bankroll to over the $40,000 mark in just nine starts.
Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a first post time set for 5PM.
Mike Sardella
Photo: Melissa Simser
