Things looked bleak down the stretch for Magic MVP in Buffalo Raceway's featured $12,162 conditioned trot on Friday afternoon (March 29), but his fortunes sure did change just before the finish line.

Driver Joseph Chindano Jr. was able to split rivals with Magic MVP ($10) in the shadow of the wire and register a 'never say die' head victory over Caviars Yankee in 2:00.1 on the fast track.

The favoured Bridge Works (Drew Monti), coming off two straight wins, marched out to the lead and notched fractions of :29.2, 1:01 and 1:30.4. But that is when things got interesting.

Turning for home, Bridge Works had the advantage, but had to deal with Caviars Yankee, who was charging hard on the outside. Meanwhile, Magic MVP was 1-1/2 lengths back in the stretch and looked hopelessly boxed in. But in deep stretch, Bridge Works tired and dropped anchor while Caviars Yankee drifted out allowing Magic MVP to split those rivals and get up time for the victory.

Owned and trained by John Leggio, Magic MVP (My MVP-Mega Magic) earned his fourth win in 10 outings so far in his nine-year-old campaign. The victory took his 2024 earnings to $22,207 and lifetime bankroll to $271,394.

Besides winning the featured event on Friday's 10-dash card, Chindano Jr. won four other races, scoring aboard Explosive Leggs ($6.60), St. Lads Maggie Mae ($6.80), Dancing Lisa ($4) and Muskingum ($3.10).

Drew Monti picked up a driving double. Cassie Russo had a pair of training wins.

Racing returns on Saturday night at Buffalo Raceway with 13 races scheduled with first post scheduled for 6 p.m.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)