Chasethecloudsaway still a force to be reckoned with

Chasethecloudsaway (Sunshine Beach) has been a force in the Fillies and Mares Open at Saratoga Casino Hotel early in the harness racing season.

A winning machine in 2021, the Chris Petrelli-trained distaffer has gotten off to a great start to her ’22 campaign as well. After winning three consecutive tries in the feature for mares in February, Chasethecloudsaway went on a two-race “losing streak” which is only noteworthy due to the fact that she has won 19 times in ’21-’22 heading into her most recent start.

On Monday afternoon, the five-year-old came from off the pace for driver Luke Hanners as the race’s favorite Dashintothebeach N (Jimmy Devaux) cut the mile in her debut in the Open. That one cruised through a first half in 57.1 before being confronted by longshot Mckella (Shawn Gray) who took to the first-over path in an attempt to reel in the favorite who is the winningest horse in the young meet at the Spa.

Chasethecloudsaway followed the cover until tipping off of it around the final turn as Dashintothebeach N appeared vulnerable late in the mile. The race’s second choice in the wagering at odds of 5-2,

Chasethecloudsaway displayed that nose for the finish line and ranged up in time to score in the feature, stopping the timer in 1:54.1 for a new seasonal mark. Dashintothebeach N showed herself well in her debut in the Open and finished second while Mckella earned the show spot. The exacta and triple in the race returned $17 and $118.50, respectively.

CHASETHECLOUDSAWAY REPLAY

Chasethecloudsaway, who is now four-for-six in the $15,000 ladies’ feature this season, paid $7.60 for the win on Monday. She is owned by David Del Pozzo of Methuen, MA and was piloted to her feature score by Luke Hanners.

Live racing resumes on Saturday evening at Saratoga with a thirteen-race card set to begin at 5:00 PM.

For full race results, click here.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway