Saratoga Springs, NY — Laurie Lee made her return to Saratoga Casino Hotel a winning one, going coast-to-coast for a 1:53.3 score in Tuesday’s (March 11) featured $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace.
Leaving from the rail in line to Jimmy Devaux, the 8-year-old Royel Millennium mare wanted the lead at all costs and turned back an early bid from Magical Maya A through a :26.3 first quarter. Laurie Lee posted :55.3 and 1:24.3 before opening up an insurmountable lead in the stretch on her way to the fastest mile of the young meet. Co-favorite Quarrel (driven by Jay Randall) was the runner-up, beaten 2-1/2 lengths; Magical Maya A (Matt Athearn) finished third despite being parked the mile.
Peter Pellegrino trains Laurie Lee, who paid $8.90 to win, for owner June Hamerla.
Live racing at Saratoga continues Wednesday (March 12); first post is 12 noon.