Laurie Lee, a seven-year-old daughter of Royel Millennium, clinched victory in the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Saratoga Raceway on Monday, November 11, dominating the $20,833 feature race from start to finish.
Driven by Jimmy Devaux, Laurie Lee, trained by Peter Pellegrino, had previously claimed two Mares Open wins at Monticello Raceway over the summer and had recently finished second twice in Saratoga’s top distaff pace. But this time, Laurie Lee refused to settle for anything less than first place.
At 5-2 odds, Devaux quickly pushed Laurie Lee to the lead, clocking a swift first half in :27.1 and :56.3. The race favourite, Arizona, driven by Wally Hennessey, made a strong bid as they approached the three-quarter mark in 1:25. However, Laurie Lee proved unyielding, fending off Arizona’s challenge to cross the finish line in 1:54.1, marking her eighth win of the 2024 season from 30 starts. Arizona finished a strong second, while Magical Maya A, with Larry Stalbaum, took third place.
Laurie Lee’s victory also marked a double win on the day for her owner June Hamerla and trainer Pellegrino, as their horse Lindys Lolita won an $11,111 conditioned pace for fillies and mares, also driven by Devaux. The successful day saw Devaux guide three winners in total.
Laurie Lee returned $7 on her win, with an exacta payout of $14.80 with the favourite in second, and a triple bet returning $67 for a $2 wager.
Live harness racing continues today at Saratoga with a matinee beginning at 12 p.m.