Prairie Magical (Royel Millennium) and harness racing driver Jim Taggert Jr. charged late to take the $10,000 featured fillies & mares’ pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (May 24).
Firstofanera (Ridge Warren) led to the quarter in :27.3 and was first to the half in :56.2. Beantown Babe (Aaron Byron) came first-over and challenged for the lead going down the backstretch. Firstofanera held a short lead at three-quarters in 1:24.4.
As they reached the stretch Beantown Babe took the lead but Prairie Magical ($10.20) came flying down the lane like she was shot out of a cannon. She blew right on by to win, equaling her lifetime best of 1:53.4. Beantown Babe had to settle for second. No Cigar Tony (Mike Merton) finished third.
Prairie Magical is a 4-year-old mare owned and trained by Laurie Poulin. It was her first win in 2024. She now has seven career victories.
PRAIRIE MAGICAL REPLAY
Braxten Boyd, Jim Pantaleano, and Ridge Warren had driving doubles. Kevin Raynolds Jr. had a training double.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs with a 10-race card on Saturday (June 1) at 6:15 p.m.
For more information, click here.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by John Horne, for Tioga Downs