All Speed Rising hangs tough in F&M Open

Despite being overlooked as the second longest shot on the tote board, All Speed Rising and driver Billy Dobson hung gamely on the lead in capturing the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace Monday at Saratoga Raceway.

Leaving from post three, Dobson put All Speed Rising immediately on the lead with Miss Irish Rose A (Larry Stalbaum) sitting right on their back to the first quarter in :28.

As they sped past the half mile in :59, Somebeachsomefra (Jim Devaux) started off first-over from fourth place and came after All Speed Rising in the backstretch, grabbing second place by the three-quarters in 1:27.4.

As the field started down the home stretch, Miss Irish Rose A and Stalbaum ducked to the inside and mounted a furious charge against the race leader, but All Speed Rising proved to be too tough, hanging on to win by a neck in 1:57. Somebeachsomefra hung on for third place.

It was the first start of the new year for All Speed Rising. The seven-year-old mare by All Speed Hanover is trained by Andy Gardner and is co-owned by George Tackley and Wendy Storrier. Sent off at odds of 8.80 to 1, All Speed Rising paid $19.60 to win.

For full race results, click here.