Saratoga Springs, NY — Vel Straight Out overcame post eight to score a 10-1 upset in Tuesday’s (Feb. 4) $12,000 distaff pacing feature at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Coming to town off back-to-back wins in the Fillies and Mares Open at Monticello, the 5-year-old Straight Shooting mare got away sixth and remained there after a first lap that saw the race’s top two betting choices spar for the lead. Driver Dan Rawlings tipped Vel Straight Out three-deep around the final turn, and the sharp mare swept the field to win in 1:56.2. Long shot Always Watching (driven by Jordan Derue) closed to be second at 18-1; Magical Mistress (Jimmy Devaux) finished third.

Vel Straight Out was one of three winners on the card for Rawlings, owner Cliff Grundy, and trainer Tammy Sowers.
Brett Beckwith also scored a driving hat trick, while Jaymes McAssey took top training honors with four wins on the 12-race card.
Live racing at Saratoga resumes on Monday (Feb. 10); post time is 12 noon.