Saratoga Springs, NY — Sally Fletcher A (American Ideal) was back in Open company on Thursday afternoon (April 11) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

The Jose Godinez trainee, who was a three-time winner of the local Open in 2018, prevailed in last week’s $12,500 Winners Over for fillies and mares and graduated into the feature for distaffers on Thursday’s matinee card.

Sally Fletcher A was a narrow winner on Thursday. Melissa Simser-Iovino photo.

Powering out to the early lead, Sally Fletcher A gave way to rival Jewels Forreal (Frank Coppola Jr.) approaching the opening quarter. Jewels Forreal went the first half in :56.4 and checked in at three-quarters in 1:25.2, still appearing to have plenty left in the tank.

Driver Bruce Aldrich Jr. pocket-pulled around the final turn and Sally Fletcher A got by in the final strides to score in 1:54.2 for her third consecutive victory and fourth on the year. Jewels Forreal was a strong second while invader Coveredndiamonds N (Jay Randall) earned the show spot in the $15,000 ladies Open.

Sally Fletcher A was the public’s lukewarm favorite but still paid a solid $7.90 to win as she led an exacta and triple that came back $50 and $304, respectively. Sally Fletcher A is owned by the Blindswitch Racing Stable of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.

Live racing resumes at Saratoga on Saturday evening with first post time set for 6:45 p.m.