Tuesday Saratoga feature to Bontz N

Bontz N (American Ideal) has been the top pacing mare this season at Saratoga Casino Hotel. In a weird year that has only seen the Fillies and Mares contested sporadically, the Gary Levine trainee has been the track's top distaffer.

With five Open wins to her credit in 2020, Bontz N has more regularly been a third-place finisher in the feature for ladies in more recent tries. Dropping in company on Tuesday afternoon, Bontz N competed in the featured $5,300 conditioned race for the ladies.

Leading driver Billy Dobson piloted the nine year old veteran and moved her out to the early lead. Just a few dollars shy of being the favorite, Bontz N carved out the fractions on the engine in a first lap went in 57 seconds. The 7-5 favorite Gina Grace N (Larry Stalbaum) rode the coattails of Bontz N throughout the mile before getting a clear chance at Bontz N in the stretch.

The chase was futile as Bontz N recorded her sixth victory of the season, stopping the timer in 1:54.2 in her decisive score. Gina Grace N was the runner-up while Tipperary Hill (John Stark Jr) earned the show spot. Bontz N, who was one of the track's top pacing mares while a nominee for Filly and Mare Pacer of the Year in 2019, has been the leading lady again in 2020 for Gary Levine and owner April Aldrich of Greenfield Center, NY.

Live racing resumes on Monday afternoon (Oct 12) with a first post time set for Noon. There will be a carryover of $5,257 in the Pick Five on Monday with that wager beginning in the matinee's opener.

by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway