Last year's Maple Leaf Trot champ won't be back to defend her title. After suffering an injury earlier this year, the talented Bee A Magician remains sidelined...for now.

The trotting daughter of Kadabra last raced in May, setting a track record at Yonkers Raceway in an open handicap event to give her a perfect three-for-three seasonal summary. Her next start was slated to be the Maxie Lee at Harrah's Philadelphia on May 29 -- a start from which she was scratched. Trainer Richard 'Nifty' Norman told Trot Insider the reason was "minor soft tissue damage" in her left front leg from a paddock injury, necessitating some time away from the races.

Bee A Magician wasn't relegated to just stall rest during that time as she has been swimming and jogging daily. An ultrasound performed on the area this past Friday "went very well" according to Norman. She's now cleared to resume light training.

Given the nature of the injury, it will require constant monitoring going forward. If all goes well, Norman wouldn't rule out a return for later this year with sights set on the Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands in late October.

Bee A Magician (Kadabra - Beehive) is on the cusp of $4 million in lifetime earnings by virtue of her $3.96-million bankroll from 44 wins in 68 starts. Norman trains the 2013 Horse of the Year and multiple-award winner for Ottawa's Mel Hartman, Canadian expat Herb Liverman, and Florida's David Mc Duffee.