A field of eight lined up behind the starting gate for the Thursday afternoon’s trotting feature at Harrah's Philadelphia, renewing the rivalry between trotting mare superstars Bee A Magician and Classic Martine.
At the start, it was Opening Night showing the best early speed. The 56-1 long shot battled for the lead, in an opening quarter that was reached in 27.1. Shortly after he cleared however, world champion Bee A Magician moved quickly up to take command. After settling down the half in 56.1, another longshot, Meladys Monet, emerged first over, but could get no closer to the leader’s wheel.
At the top of the stretch, Bee A Magician sprinted clear under minimal Brian Sears urging, stopping the clock in 1:52.1, just one fifth of a second off the track record set by Classic Martine less than one month ago. Classic Martine started here from post eight, and finished sixth after being caught wide the entire first turn. Meladys Monet finished second, while Opening Night finished third.
Bee A Magician is owned by Mel Hartman, Herb Liverman, and David Mc Duffee, and is trained by Richard ‘Nifty’ Norman. The career winner in excess of $2.5 million returned $4.10 to win.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)