Magical Mistress takes Monticello Open pace

Monticello, NY— The favorite Magical Mistress (Camystic, Cory Stratton) made her Monticello Raceway debut a memorable one by winning the $6,500 Open Fillies and Mares harness racing pace on Monday afternoon (Mar. 11).

Special Graduate (Adam Moeykens) took the early lead, followed by Im Princess Bella A (Gregory Merton). Magical Mistress was racing in third as they came to the opening quarter mile in :28.3. As they came by the stands for the first time. Special Graduate led the way by a length. From the outside, Magical Mistress moved into second. They passed the half mile in :59.1.

Moving around the clubhouse turn, Special Graduate was holding on to the lead, with Magical Mistress on the outside in second and Im Princess Bella A in the pocket in third. Heading to the three-quarter mile in 1:28.2, Magical Mistress stole the lead, with Perfect Queen (Thomas Merton) closing in from the outside in second.

Magical Mistress crossed the wire in 1:58.4, a length in front of Perfect Queen. Lady Jericho (Michael Merton) got third.

MAGICAL MISTRESS REPLAY

Magical Mistress is an 8-year-old mare owned by Michael Milazzo and trained by Candace Brandstatter. She paid $4.10 to win.

Gregory Merton got a driving double.

Racing at Monticello Raceway resumes tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12. Post time is 12:10 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink