Saratoga Springs, NY — Making her first start against the best distaff pacers Saratoga Casino Hotel has to offer, Sheikh Yabooty N turned a pocket ride into a mild 5-1 upset in Monday’s (June 19) $17,000 Fillies and Mares Open at the Spa.

The 9-year-old Big Jim mare and driver Mitchell Cushing exhibited enough early speed to secure the pocket behind odds-on favorite Probert (driven by Brett Beckwith), who reached the half in :57.1 and remained unopposed before Sheikh Yabooty N popped the pocket around the final turn. The Bob Leslie trainee surged past the favorite before drawing away to a 1:54.1 win, her third in six starts since coming to Saratoga in May. Alittlesidehustl N (Jay Randall) closed on the outside for second; American Tour N (Wally Hennessey) earned the show spot.

Sheikh Yabooty N rose to the Open ranks on Monday at Saratoga and rallied from the pocket to win in 1:54.1. Jessica Hallett photo.

Sheikh Yabooty N, who paid $12.00 to win and is owned by Robert Devine, gave her trainer and driver half of a double on the card. The other half came with Dancethebigdance N, who scored a 1:55.2 lifetime mark.

Live racing at Saratoga resumes Saturday evening (June 24), when the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts headlines a 15-race card. First post is 5 p.m.