Magic Shelley wasn’t able to find the winner’s circle in the preliminary legs of this year’s Celias Counsel Series, but she put it all together and got her picture when the big money was on the line in Thursday’s final at Mohawk Racetrack.

With Chris Christoforou at the controls, Magic Shelley got away seventh from Post 3 while Giona shot to the top from Post 2 and supplied early fractions of :27.2, :56.2 and 1:26.1. Christoforou got his charge into the outer flow going to the half, and the complexion of the race changed drastically around the final turn when race favourite Hape rolled off stride.

Tymal Signature pressed Giona around the turn before working her way to the lead as the field turned for home. Magic Shelley, who made a three-wide move around the breaking Hape, used a :29.1 closing quarter to win by 1-1/4 lengths over JLS Too Hot Taj in 1:56.1. Tymal Signature held on to finish third.

Paul Reid trains the homebred filly for owner/breeder Bob Key of Leechburg, Pennsylvania. The daughter of Majestic Son-American Shell, who went 2-for-10 in her rookie season, bumped her lifetime earnings to $45,235 after hauling home the lion’s share of the $35,000 purse.

To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.