Buter trainee back in the winner's circle

The last time So Nice (Ponder) competed at Saratoga Casino and Raceway last December, the Amber Buter trainee tied the all-age track record for harness racing distaff pacers at the Spa with an impressive 1:52 victory.

In her return to Saratoga on Friday night, So Nice had to contend with post position seven in the 1 1/16 Winners Over for fillies and mares.

Mark Beckwith fired So Nice out at the start and situated the classy mare into the pocket behind the race's favorite.

After a sizzling first half put up in 55.4, the leader began to fade and So Nice evacuated the pocket before surging into the lead and stopping the timer in 2:01 for the 1 1/16.

Bettorhaveanother (Frank Coppola Jr) closed for second in her first start since October while Jenna's Patriot (Shawn Gray) earned the show spot.

So Nice was the race's 9-5 betting favorite and led an exacta and triple that returned $23.80 and $93, respectively.

Live racing continues on Saturday night at Saratoga with a first post time of 6:45pm.

Mike Sardella