by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Winkys Gal (Rc Royalty) made a big move approaching the half-mile pole and drew away from her rivals to win the $7,500 co-feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Friday night (March 17).

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Winkys Gal cruises home to capture the feature at Saratoga on Friday evening.

The James Weidman trainee made her seasonal debut last week and got a great trip from driver Brian Cross. As a 17-1 longshot in that start, Winkys Gal got a trip on the rail and saved ground enough to finish second in her return.

On Friday night, Cross settled in towards the back of the pack with the 4-year-old trotting mare before unleashing her heading to the half-mile. Winkys Gal brushed to the lead and went a back half-mile in :57.4 en route to her first win of 2017; a win that came in 2:00.2.

A five-time winner last season, Winkys Gal now has a first and a second in two starts in ’17. She paid $6.90 to win in the co-feature for New York sired trotters.

Live racing continues on Saturday night (March 18) at Saratoga with a 6:45 p.m. first post.