Pocket-rocket score for Magic MVP

Freehold, NJ — Magic MVP got a superstar-quality trip in the Preferred Handicap trot at Freehold Raceway on Friday (January 17), and used it to full advantage, rallying late for the harness racing victory.

 

Sent off as the 9/5 second choice, the 5-year-old gelding was dropped into the pocket early by driver Pat Berry. He rated off favored Zagster, as the leader set fractions of 28.3 for the quarter and 58.4 for the half. Zagster tried to get away from the field as they rounded the final turn, but Magic MVP stayed close and never left the pylons.

 

In the stretch, Zagster still held a 1 1/2-length lead, but Berry switched his drive to the passing lane and took his shot. Magic MVP rallied strongly toward the pylons, and got up for the victory by a neck. He trotted the mile in a sharp 1:58.0, in cold and windy conditions.

 

 

That was Magic MVP's 2020 debut, coming off a 2019 where he was 3-for-21, with earnings of more than $69,000. Most recently, he was fifth in a NW $15,000 last 5 trot at the Meadowlands. He's owned by Midnight Stables LLC and trained by Miriam Kraemer.

 

Zagster held on to second, while 39/1 Caviar Star won a photo for third over Dot Dot Dot Dash. Drazzmatazz, Abbie's Celticlass, Andy Ray, and Levitation completed the order of finish.

 

Live racing continues at Freehold on Saturday, starting at 12:30 PM EST.