by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Driver Billy Dobson and trainer Heidi Rohr teamed up for three wins on the Thursday (March 2) card at Saratoga Casino Hotel, including a victory in the matinee feature.

Melissa Simser-Iovoino photo

Milky Way Rae nets Dobson and Rohr one of their three wins on Saratoga’s Thursday card.

Milky Way Rae (American Ideal) got a pocket ride for the second consecutive week in the $12,000 Fillies and Mares Open but this occasion, rolled out of the two-hole to pounce on her rivals for her first victory of the year.

For the 4-year-old Rohr trainee, it was the first ever win in the local ladies’ feature.

Milky Way Rae paid $8.10 as she bested Elm Grove Inarush (Pat Curtin) and Annabeth (Mark Beckwith) who finished second and third, respectively.

The win for Milky Way Rae was the third on the afternoon for the Dobson-Rohr combo, who is off to a big start to the 2017 season as they scored victories earlier in the day with pacers Southwind Marilyn and Silouette.

Live racing continues on Friday (March 3) with the first evening program of the year. First post time is set for 6:45 p.m.