by Shelley Blake, for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Thursday was Ladies Night at the Spa as Saratoga Gaming and Raceway featured the $17,000 Fillies and Mares Open.

Annie McGuire N and trainer-driver John Stark, Jr. left off the gate to secure the lead before a :27.2 opening quarter. By the half, the always tough Express Ball N was rolling on the outside first-over, posing a serious threat to Annie McGuire N and Stark, who continued to set the pace past a :57.4 half and 1:26.4 three-quarters. But try as she might, Express Ball N could not wear down “Annie” as Stark’s charge held off the challenger to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:55. Chapeau got up for third.

Annie McGuire N, the public’s choice, is owned by the RAM Racing Stables of Maine.

Racing resumes at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway with the featured Open trot on Friday night, May 18. Post time is 7:00 p.m.