Saratoga Springs, NY — On Tuesday (May 16) at Saratoga Casino Hotel, La Bella Vita N won the $18,200 Fillies and Mares Winners Over/Open Handicap, marking the 5,000th trip to the winner’s circle for her pilot, Shawn Gray.

Shawn Gray eclipsed the 5,000-win plateau in his driving career when La Bella Vita N carried him to the winner’s enclosure in the Tuesday feature at Saratoga. Jessica Hallett photo.

At the start of the card, Gray was only one victory away from his milestone, but he only had two drives for the day at the Spa. In his second drive, despite facing post eight in the field of nine, Gray pulled no punches.

La Bella Vita N and Gray were parked to the quarter in :27.3 before reaching a comfortable spot at the top. The Alicia Gray trainee felt pressure as the field split in two at the half in :56 with the outer flow charge led by Bottomoftheninth (Jim Devaux). However, the pair battled onward, maintaining a 1-1/2-length cushion as they reached three-quarters in 1:25. Down the stretch, challengers approached on both sides. Favorite Alta Madeira N (Wally Hennessey) attempted to sweep up the rail, but Shawn Gray urged his mare forward to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.3. Alta Madeira N was second; Always Watching (Jordan Derue) finished third.

Owned by Douglas Overhiser and Michael Goldberg Racing LLC, La Bella Vita N is an 8-year-old mare and a regular starter in Saratoga’s feature divisions. She has had four wins, a second and a third in six starts this season with $46,750 earned. In her career, La Bella Vita N has 25 wins and over $250,000 in career earnings.

Jim Devaux posted five driving wins on the afternoon card.

Racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel continues Saturday (May 20) with first post at 5 p.m.