Saratoga Harness: Royal Mission registers NY Sire Stakes triumph

Royal Mission, a 2-year old filly by Chapter Seven and out of the RC Royalty mare Swinging Royalty, scored her first career victory on Friday evening at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The Marcus Melander-trained freshman got perfect Brett Beckwith piloting in the featured $148,500 New York Sire Stakes race.

The meet's leading driver powered the 6-5 second choice in the wagering up to take over the lead approaching the 59 2/5 half-mile point as favored My Debt Collecter and driver Tyler Buter got going from the "back of the pack" in the four-horse field. Royal Mission rattled off three-quarters in 1:28 1/5 and was met with the challenge of the favorite in the final eighth, but was able to hold off the 1-2 public choice.

Royal Mission stopped the timer in 1:58.1 for a victory that more than doubled the lifetime earnings of the Melander trainee, who now has four starts under her belt. Royal Mission is owned by Jeff Snyder. My Debt Collecter finished second, while Calculus Risk (Wally Hennessey) earned the show spot in the rich race.

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Beckwith piloted four winners on the Friday card to extend his lead in the local driver standings.

Live racing continues on Saturday evening at Saratoga with the card kicking off at 5 p.m. (EDT).

--edited press release (Saratoga)--