11-1 longshot upsets in Dayton feature

Dayton, Ohio – Despite going off 11-1, Magic Night (Kadabra) was able to score an upset victory against his harness racing competition in the $24,000 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday (Nov. 30) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.

After being assigned post six in the field of eight, Magic Night raced conservatively in the middle of the pack. The 8-year-old gelding remained patient along the rail as fractions came in :28 and :57. Guided by leading driver Jeremy Smith, Magic Night found cover on the backside to make his move. Although still sitting fifth at the 1:25.3 three-quarters pole, the gelding stayed steady. Magic Night dug in to easily stop the clock in 1:55.3.

Lockbox (Tyler Smith) was second with 3-2 favorite Kings County (Kayne Kauffman) finishing third.

The victory marked the fourth in a row for Magic Night. Trained by Steve Carter, 2022 is shaping up to be the comeback year for the gelding. In 36 seasonal starts, Magic Night has scored eight wins and hit the board an additional 15 times. Magic Night has banked $116,686 this year for co-owners Rosemary Young and Tracey Russell.

MAGIC NIGHT REPLAY

Live racing will resume Thursday (Dec. 1) at Dayton Raceway with first post at 4:00PM. Free programs are always available online here. For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway website.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ashley Dailey, for the OHHA