by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga, NY — After prevailing in her first career start in the local Open, Tempus Seelster (Big Jim) finished second in back-to-back tries in the $12,000 feature for fillies and mares at Saratoga Casino Hotel heading into Friday night (March 23).

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Tempus Seelster wins the featured event at Saratoga on Friday evening.

The Heidi Rohr trainee was the public’s even money favorite in the five-horse Open for distaffers and driver Billy Dobson piloted the mare aggressively to the lead approaching the half.

Powering past major danger Glenferrie Bronte N, Tempus Seelster opened up a big lead at the head of the stretch before scoring in 1:53.3.

Mystical Nectar (Jim Devaux) finished second in her first crack at the local Open while longshot Mydelight Bluechip (Ben Mcneil) earned the show spot.

Tempus Seelster’s win was one of four on the night for the meet’s leading driver Billy Dobson.

Live racing continues on Saturday night at Saratoga with a first post time set for 6:45 p.m.