First four days at Saratoga more successful than 2011
According to the New York Racing Association, the opening four days (July 20-23) at Saratoga Race Course proved to be more successful than last year, as the attendance was a lot bigger. The turnout in the first week was 75,369, which is nearly a couple of
percents higher than 2011.
Similarly, a notable rise was observed in the commercial activities. The betting market was also full of life, as the average betting interests went up to nine from last year's 8.4. The officials are satisfied with the current situation, and hoped that things
will keep working well in the coming days.
The proceedings at Saratoga were commenced with the Grade 3 Schuylerville Stakes, which was eventually won by So Many Ways. Anthony W. Dutrow’s charge ran brilliantly to ensure the top spot by one and a half lengths.
The Grade 3 James Marvin Stakes was another exciting event on the opening day. The $100,000 contest was dominated by Pacific Ocean, who secured the first prize by 1¾ lengths.
The second day was even more thrilling. The Grade 1 TVG Coaching Club American Oaks saw Questing grabbing a comprehensive victory. Under Irad Ortiz, Jr, the bay filly dominated the affair all the way through, bagging the first prize of $180,000 by four and
a quarter lengths.
The Willard Straight Stakes was another major meeting on the second day. An easy win came to Fiddlers Patriot, who maintained the highest standards in the hands of Ramon A. Dominguez.
The Grade 2 Sanford Stakes, held on the third day, was won by Bern Identity, who gave his rivals no chance whatsoever. The 2-year-old colt attained a decent lead in the beginning, and retained his advantage till the finishing line.
The top prize in the Duluth Stakes went to Summer Front, who beat Lockout by a couple of lengths. It was an emphatic performance by Christophe Clement’s trainee, as he was almost uncatchable.
The fourth day of the Saratoga meeting saw Lunar Victory doing an extraordinary act in the Even Shipman Stakes. Ridden by Junior Alvarado, the William I. Mott-trained did well to seize the first place by two and a half lengths.
The opening four days produced plenty of entertainment, and the authorities at Saratoga are hopeful of even better outcome in the remaining days.
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