by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga, NY — Tataria (Four Starzzz Shark) cruised to victory in the feature on the Thursday (April 6) matinee card at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Michael Panzarino photo

Tataria was up in company this week to compete and capture the $9,500 feature at Saratoga on Thursday.

The Melissa Beckwith trained mare prevailed last week in her second local start while competing in the $10,000 claiming level. She was up in company this week to compete in the $9,500 feature for distaffers.

Tataria got the pocket trip behind the race’s favorite, class-dropping Milky Way Rae (Billy Dobson). The favorite faltered a bit late and Tataria cruised by in the stretch before stopping the timer in 1:53.1 over a track labeled sloppy. Longshot Post Time Terror (Phil Fluet) came on for second while Milky Way Rae had to settle for the show spot.

Tataria, who was driven to victory by Mark Beckwith, paid $5.10 to win and led an exacta and triple that returned $25.60 and $56, respectively.

Live racing continues on Friday (April 7) evening with a 6:45 p.m. first post.