SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Elusive Pearl took the lead with a quarter-mile to run and held off eight rivals to win the $75,000 Riskaverse Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 1 3/4 lengths at Saratoga Race Course on Friday.
Elusive Pearl, with John Velazquez aboard, ran a mile over the inner turf course in 1:36.55 and paid $19.80, $10.20 and $7.10. Runner-up Ruthenia earned $6.10 and $3.80. Favored Starformer returned $3.50 to show.
The Michael Trombetta-trained Elusive Pearl earned $45,000 for owner Robert Goldsmith with her third win from six career starts.
Earlier, Todd Pletcher eclipsed his own Saratoga training record when he sent out 2-year-old Zow to win the Gold and Roses Stakes, his 37th winner of the meeting, surpassing the mark he set a year ago.
