by Shelley Blake, for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Thursday night (July 5) racing action featured the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. Morning line favorite Dandy’s Jewel was scratched early on leaving six ladies for the public to choose from.

Maranello N and Annie McGuire N each vied for the lead off the gate with Annie McGuire N winning the battle past a :28.2 opening quarter. The field remained in single file behind Annie McGuire N and John Stark, Jr. past the half of :58.1 before Dan Cappello, Jr. pulled Sentbytheangels, the post-time favorite, first-over.

The two mares battled down the backstretch, racing head-to-head past a 1:26 three-quarters. Sentbytheangels got her head in front, but Annie McGuire N refused to give in and the battle continued around the final turn and into the stretch before Sentbytheangels pulled away by three-quarters of a length at the wire in 1:54. Express Ball N finished third.

Owned by Gerrie Tucker and trained by Nat Varty, Sentbytheangels has six wins in 20 starts this year.