Saratoga Springs, NY – Custard Dolce scored an Open win in her local debut at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Sunday afternoon (March 8).
Jacob Cutting drove the 4-year-old pacer for trainer Jackie Greene, starting from post two following a scratch, in the $16,500 event for fillies and mares. Last week’s Open runner-up, Swedish Starlet N (driven by Matt Athearn), cut the mile Sunday and traveled unopposed in a soft first half in :58.4. Custard Dolce, who got away third, swung to the outside with about three-eighths of a mile remaining and powered up to challenge Swedish Starlet N as those two engaged in a heavy-duty battle past three quarters in 1:27.2.
Custard Dolce reigned supreme in the stretch to secure the victory in her first Spa start, stopping the timer in 1:56.2. Swedish Starlet N finished second for the second consecutive week while Waitforever N (Brett Beckwith) earned the show spot.
A daughter of Custard The Dragon owned by Kellogg Racing Stables, Custard Dolce paid $5.88 to win in her seasonal debut.
Live racing continues on Monday with a matinee that begins at noon (EDT).