from Saratoga Casino and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Last year’s Filly and Mare Pacer of the Year Road Bet (Bettor’s Delight) started out her season in style on Sunday afternoon (March 1) at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Melissa Simser photo

Road Bet was a 1:54.3 winner on Sunday.

The Kyle Spagnola-trained mare made the early lead in the $18,000 co-featured Fillies and Mares Open and would not look back. Frank Coppola Jr. piloted Road Bet as she sped through a :27.1 opening quarter and lasted on the lead for a 1:54.3 triumph. Road Bet held off the challenge from the pocket sitting favorite as Campanile (Austin Siegelman) had to settle for second while Goddess’s Rosa (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot.

Road Bet was dismissed at odds of 4-1 and led an exacta that returned $17.60. The trifecta came back $80 in the six horse co-feature.

The $18,000 Open Trot was won by Banco Solo (Dobson) who nosed out the 1-5 public choice Zooming (Tyler Buter) at the wire in 1:57.2. Banco Solo returned $16.80 to win in the five horse co-feature.

Driver Bruce Aldrich Jr. had a big day on the matinee card as he piloted four winners.

Live racing resumes at Saratoga on Thursday with a 4 p.m. first post. Twilight racing is new this season and will take place on every Thursday throughout the Spring.