by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga, NY — Caviart Caterina (Tell All) has been a winning machine in 2017. The Robert Marston trainee came to Saratoga Casino Hotel last week for the first time as an owner of 15 victories this season. The 5-year-old mare finished fifth in her debut in the $19,500 Fillies and Mares Open at the Spa last week but on Friday night (Dec. 8), Caviart Caterina returned to her winning ways.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Caviart Caterina collected her 16th victory of the season on Friday evening at Saratoga.

Shawn Gray piloted the 15-1 longshot, who wound up in the pocket spot, in the Friday feature. The race’s 1-9 betting favorite Sally Fletcher A (Jim Devaux) tested her luck from off the pace in the Open and wound up getting a first-over journey in which she would grind it out on the outside for about five-eighths of a mile.

Sally Fletcher A wound up wearing down the leader after pacing the third quarter in :27.3. Sally Fletcher A struck the lead in mid-stretch before Caviart Caterina surged up the inside to get by and stop the timer in 1:53.2.

Caviart Caterina paid $33.20 to win and led an exacta with Sally Fletcher A second that returned $46. Shutthefrontdoor (Phil Fluet) finished third and rounded out a triple that came back $175.50.

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