by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Elm Grove Inarush (Coastocoast) scored her first win in a local feature on Thursday afternoon (March 16) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Melissa Simser-Iovino photo

Elm Grove Inarush makes her first foray into the winner’s circle on Thursday afternoon at Saratoga.

Stephane Bouchard picked up the catch drive for trainer Elisha Lafreniere behind the 6-year-old mare who was assigned post position one in the $12,000 Fillies and Mares Open.

Elm Grove Inarush sat the pocket behind Milky Way Rae (Billy Dobson) before surging up the passing lane to best that rival by the slimmest of margins.

Milky Way Rae was the runner-up while the favored Annabeth (Mark Beckwith) had to settle for the show spot in the mile paced in 1:54.4.

Elm Grove Inarush, who finished second in her only other try in the feature for distaffers, paid $20.40 while dismissed at odds of 9-1. The exacta and triple came back $63.50 and $164, respectively.

With the earnings from Thursday’s victory, Elm Grove Inarush moves her career bankroll to over the quarter-million dollar mark.

Live racing continues on Friday evening (March 17) at Saratoga with a 6:45 p.m. first post.