Marvin Hagler kicks off 2024 right

Marvin Hagler (Crazed) started the new year with a close harness racing victory against a small field in the Preferred Trot at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Tuesday (Jan. 2).

The gelding left last in the field of four with Brett MacDonald holding the lines. The short group traveled single-file through the quarter in :28.4 and half in :59.1. MacDonald motioned Marvin Hagler to the outside on the turn to the backstretch, and the gelding moved into range of leader Andy Over (Ed Hensley) at three-quarters in 1:28.

The latter held the challenger a length adrift around the last turn, and the pair battled as pocket-sitter O Narutac Perfetto (Colin Kelly) broke stride. Bucktober (Tyler Borth) began his rally at the top of the lane and bore down on the top two in the final meters. Marvin Hagler thrust past Andy Over and got home in time to hold off Bucktober for the victory in 1:58.1.

Bucktober was second by a neck with Andy Over a half-length back.

MARVIN HAGLER REPLAY

Marvin Hagler was 11-for-33 in 2023 and took a mark of 1:57.4. Mark Macquarrie conditions and co-owns the five-year-old. Mary Pedden shares ownership of the gelding, who has now won 17 times and earned $130,595 in 58 starts.

The card also saw a meet-high handle for the track of $717,818.

The Raceway at the Western Fair District continues action on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Racing will begin at 5:50 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink