by Michael Costanzo, simulcast manager, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Dandy’s Jewel continued her recent dominance of the older female pacing division at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Saturday, June 21, digging in gamely to tally her fourth straight victory in the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace in 1:54.4.

Dave Oxford photo

Dandy’s Jewel held off Maximum Bet to win for the fourth straight time in the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace in 1:54.4.

Starting from post six with conditioner Brian Allen at the controls, Dandy’s Jewel was content to settle in last place as Shaniaraider (Ken Holliday) guided the field through an opening quarter in :28.3.

As the field made its second turn of the mile, Dandy’s Jewel was moved off the pylons to begin an overland journey towards the front, grinding away at the lead held by Shaniaraider as that one reached the half-mile marker in :58.2.

Dandy’s Jewel matched strides with Shaniaraider down the backstretch before clearing to the front through a three-quarter split in 1:26.1, opening up a half-length advantage on that rival at the top of the stretch.

Dandy’s Jewel began to show signs of weakness down the lane, but was determined though the final yards, holding on gamely to prevail by a neck over Maximum Bet (Jay Randall).

Dandy’s Jewel returned $4.50, $3.00, and $2.10 for the victory. Maximum Bet brought in $4.60 and $2.30 for second, while Shaniaraider brought in $2.70 for third.

Owned by Alpine Racing Stable, Dandy’s Jewel has found the wire first in each of her last four outings after faltering in her first two starts of the year. The 5-year-old daughter of Space Shuttle owns a career record of 24 wins from 65 starts, with seasonal earnings of $306,416.