Dobson's Five Winning Drives at Saratoga

On Tuesday, April 16 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, driver Billy Dobson had a busy day. During the afternoon's 13-race program, he drove five winners, including three for trainer James McAssey.

Among his victories was taking the lead in the day's highlighted $15,753 conditioned/optional claiming allowance pace for fillies and mares with Truly, trained by Andy Sardella. Following her drawing of post two and her use of Lasix for the try, Sweet Lou's daughter was the public's even-money betting favorite in the race. With the five-year-old mare, Dobson moved quickly to the front of the feature. Really completed the first panel in :27.2, then retreated a little to reach the half in :57.2. The major danger to the favorite came in the final stretch as pocket-sitting Luck B Mine (Mcgwire Sowers) closed up the inside after the favorite passed three-quarters in 1:26.1. Truly stopped the meter in 1:55, her fifth victory in nine seasonal starts, ending the chase's hopelessness.

Indeed, it costs $4.30 to win. For the show, longshot HS Shauna (Jordan Derue) earned the show spot and completed an exacta that paid $26.60, rounding off a $701 triple.

Last month, Mike and Bill Pozefsky of New York, her present owners, claimed Truly at Saratoga. She has earned close to $125,000 in her lifetime and has 13 career victories.

With Miss Contour ($4), Got Beach Body ($2.40), and Lady Devine ($3.10), Dobson and McAssey won together. He also guided trainer Steven Rybka's Unstoppable ($4.40) across the finish line.

Along with his stable's victories, I Loved Her First ($13.60), Acefortyfour Money ($3.20), and Bronze Over N ($2.90), Mark Beckwith also had a training triple on Tuesday.

Saratoga's live harness racing returns on Saturday night, starting at 5 p.m.