Veteran mare returns to the winner's circle

Campanile (No Pan Intended) made her return to the winner's circle in Friday's harness racing feature at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

The veteran pacing mare has been a Spa staple for the past several years and always thrives against the track's top distaffers.

The Chris Marino trainee got off to a fast start in the $13,000 Winners Over pace and settled into the pocket behind last week's feature winner So Nice (Mark Beckwith).

Driver Austin Siegelman moved the race's 4-5 betting favorite out to the lead after an opening quarter paced in 27.2. Campanile cruised uncontested through a half in 56.1 and three quarters in 124.4 before being met with the challenge of So Nice in the stretch. The seven year old mare was up to the task and prevailed by a length and a half covering the 1 1/16 mile in 2:00.4. So Nice was a solid second in the Friday feature while Fancy Desire (Billy Dobson) earned the show spot. The win was the fifth of the season for Campanile.

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

Mike Sardella