Wind, snow, and single-digit wind chills set the scene for racing at Batavia Downs on Monday, Jan. 20. Despite the challenging conditions, Magical Mistress rose to the occasion, delivering a powerful performance in the $13,768 featured pace for fillies and mares.
Magical Mistress (Kyle Cummings) got away second behind the 49-1 longshot Hurrikane Msrodine (Denny Bucceri), who left from post eight and set the pace, leading the field to the half in 1:01. Legal Jeopardy (Dave McNeight III) made a bold first-over move, briefly taking the lead at three-quarters, but never fully cleared. At that point, Magical Mistress vacated the pegs, following Legal Jeopardy around the final turn before tipping clear at the top of the lane. In the stretch, Magical Mistress dug in, passing three rivals to secure a hard-fought victory by three-quarters of a length in 2:01.3 over the 'good' track. Legal Jeopardy was second and Bee Still My Hardt (Joseph Chindano Jr.) was third.
Magical Mistress ($4.40) is a nine-year-old mare by Camystic out of Meridian Magic. She is trained by Candace Brandstatter-Hall for owner Michael Milazzo. She is now two-for-three this year, with 38 career wins and $394,894 in lifetime earnings.
Live harness racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. There will be a carryover of $696 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in Race 15.
(With files from Batavia Downs, photo of Magical Mistress from a previous win)