Uncle Southern wins $100K Union Avenue at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) Uncle Southern skipped right to the lead and splashed home a three-quarter length winner in the $100,000 Union Avenue at Saratoga Race Course.

Ridden by Luis Saez for trainer Linda Rice, the 4-year-old filly came on again when challenged by Sunny Desert in the stretch Thursday and hit the wire in 1:17.46 for 6 1/2 furlongs.

Dismissed at 7-1 in the field of five older fillies and mares, Uncle Southern paid $16.80, $5.60 and $3.30. Sunny Desert returned $3.30 and $2.30, while Make the Moment paid $3.60 to show. Vicki's Dancer and even-money favorite Risky Rachel completed the order of finish.

Owned by J and M Racing Stables, Uncle Southern was making her stakes debut in the Union Avenue. She now has four wins from 12 lifetime starts and purse earnings of $217,921.