Exotic Dragon back to Preferred winner’s circle

Exotic Dragon (Custard The Dragon) fired out of the pocket to take her first Preferred-level harness racing contest since October in the Fillies and Mares Preferred Handicap at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Tuesday (Mar. 19).

The mare motored off the wings from post four, taking the lead before Major League N (Ed Hensley) worked past her before the quarter in :27.3. The latter set middle splits of :57.4 and 1:26.4 and led around the final turn with Laila Blue (Travis Henry) converging on her first-up. Exotic Dragon snuck up the cones as they straightened for home and charged down the top pair to win by a quarter-length in 1:57. Major League N held on for second over Laila Blue.

EXOTIC DRAGON REPLAY

Exotic Dragon tallied her 33rd lifetime score in the race, her 106th, and increased her earnings to $340,263. Jodie Cullen conditions the mare that is now five-for-nine on the year. She finished fourth in her three prior Preferred starts in 2024 and last won at the level in October.

The win was part of a grand slam for Travis Cullen on the night. He also scored with Deo Soles (Always B Miki, 2:02.4), One Last Bet (Betting Line, 1:58), and Jillian Jiggs (All Bets Off, 1:57.2).

The Raceway at the Western Fair District continues racing on Wednesday, Mar. 20 at 5:50 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink