Mystical Virgin rallies to upset in Open

Northfield, OH – Patience tends to be a virtue, and 18-1 Mystical Virgin (Always A Virgin) proved that in Saturday’s (Jan. 21) $18,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace, rallying from off the pace to win in 1:52.4.

There were a host of leavers through the first turn in the Saturday night harness racing feature, but Adorabella (Hunter Myers) would clear the lead through the first eighth of a mile. Race favorite Waitforever N (Aaron Merriman) got caught three-wide around the first turn, with Asante Sana A (Jason Thompson) also leaving from post four. Asante Sana A and Waitforever N both got parked through a very fast :26.1 first quarter.

Thompson continued to pressure the pace from the outside, with Asante Sana A challenging Adorabella to the half in :54.3. The action continued to heat up with three-eighths of a mile to go as the Mystical Virgin (Kurt Sugg) tipped out four-wide after Adorabella set those torrid fractions in front of her. Getting to three-quarters in 1:23.1, Rock Me Cristal (Ryan Stahl) found room off the pylons to take her shot at Adorabella, who began to waiver around the last turn.

It appeared that Mystical Virgin would draw off in the final turn, but both Rock Me Cristal and Waitforever N both fought on gamely through the stretch.

Mystical Virgin would eventually kick clear, winning by two lengths in 1:52.4. Waitforever N had to settle for second, and Rock Me Cristal battled to be third.

MYSTICAL VIRGIN REPLAY

It was the 35th career victory for Mystical Virgin, who has now amassed $408,829 in career earnings for owner Rebecca Sugg and owner/trainer Edward Miller. She paid $39.20 to win.

MGM Northfield Park has announced a $20,000 guaranteed $1.00 Pick-4 total pool for Sunday’s (January 22) race card.

Beginning in race two, the $20,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $6,642.

The guarantee is being offered as part of the Strategic Wagering Program through the United States Trotting Association.

Northfield’s $1.00 Pick-3s, Pick-4s, Pick-5, 50-cent Pick-6 and 20-cent Super High Five offer a reduced take-out rate of just 14%.

Sunday’s post time is 6 p.m.

For more information on racing, promotions, and more visit here.

For full race results, click here.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park