Saratoga Springs, NY --- The 2013 racing season kicked off on Sunday afternoon (March 3) at Saratoga Casino and Raceway and the card was highlighted by double features with the $20,000 Fillies and Mares Open being joined by the $20,000 Open Pace.

Dave Oxford photo

Code Word was a 1:53.4 winner in the Open Pace.

Betterluvnexttime (American Ideal) overcame post eight to best her fellow mares in 1:55.3 to take the season’s first Open for distaff pacers, prevailing at odds of 6-1. Bruce Aldrich, Jr. piloted the Jackie Rousse trainee to victory.

For Aldrich, it was one of four winners on the opening day program.

Code Word (Western Terror) and Joe Bongiorno scored first over, making good at even money in the Open Pace. Code Word stopped the timer in an impressive 1:53.4, accounting for one of three wins on the card for Bongiorno and trainer Conor Flynn.

Excitement was high for opening day at Saratoga and the season will be in full force starting Wednesday night when action starts at 6:45 p.m.