Saratoga Springs, NY — Shez Sugarsweet A (Somebeachsomewhere) cruised to victory in her local debut at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 21).

Shez Sugarsweet A and trainer-driver Ron Cushing took Thursday’s top distaff pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Melissa Simser-Iovino photo.

Ron Cushing trains and drives the 6-year-old Australian import who has been competing at Yonkers this winter with a fair amount of success. Shez Sugarsweet A was assigned the outside post in Thursday’s $12,000 Fillies and Mares Open, but had little difficulty surging out to the early lead. After travelling unopposed while setting honest fractions to the half in :57.3, Shez Sugarsweet A cruised away from her rivals in the stretch before stopping the timer in 1:55.

It was a new lifetime mark for the talented distaffer, who returned $5.70 to win as the race’s 9-5 betting favorite. Fellow Yonkers invaders Sail To The Beach (Billy Dobson) and A Crafty Lady (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) finished second and third, respectively.

With no one hitting the Pick-5 on Thursday, there will be a $3,815 carryover into the Pick-5 pool on Sunday (Feb. 24). The Pick-5 begins in race one on the matinee card, which is set to kickoff at noon.