New Zealand invader Wahs Fire Bug N (Mach Three) has finished first or second in each of her harness racing starts since coming to the U.S. late last year.
Amanda Kelley trains the eight-year-old mare who is establishing herself as one of the top mares at Saratoga Casino Hotel and on Tuesday, the talented distaffer recorded her first Open win.
Wahs Fire Bug N left from post seven and made the lead easily in the $18,200 Fillies and Mares Open but set quick fractions of :27.1 and :56.2 in lap one.
Driver Jim Devaux and Wahs Fire Bug N expanded their lead to an insurmountable one heading towards the three-quarter pole before cruising away to score in 1:55 by three and three-quarter lengths. Alittlesidehustl N (Jay Randall) closed well to be second in her seasonal debut while last weekās Open runner-up Demeter N (Matt Athearn) earned the show spot on Tuesday.
WAHS FIRE BUG N REPLAY
Wahs Fire Bug N, the 1-2 public choice, led an exacta and triple that paid $45.60 and $405, respectively. The win in the feature was one of two on the day for Kelley who teamed up with Devaux for a victory with Nevada Rock who scored in her Spa debut. Devaux piloted five winners on the card in total. Wahs Fire Bug N is owned by the S&K Misfit Racing Stable of Greenfield Center, NY.
Live racing resumes on Saturday evening with a first post time set for 5:00 pm.
For complete race results, click here.
by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway