Lady Magica figures in return off layoff

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Thursday’s main event, a $47,000 entry-level allowance for Florida-bred fillies and mares, will be decided early as the third race on a nine-race program. Carded at five furlongs on the turf, the headliner lured a field of 10, including main-track-only entrant Cory Gal.

Lady Magica may be favored for trainer Gilberto Zerpa and jockey Emisael Jaramillo, despite the fact she has not started since Jan. 31. Lady Magica has finished second in her only two starts on grass, setting a contested pace in both races. The daughter of Adios Charlie is coming off a five-furlong gate work over the main track on Sept. 18 at Gulfstream Park West.

There is speed aplenty in the lineup, with Lady Magica likely to get tested early by Cat’s Astray and Blue Eyed Beth, who was claimed for $16,000 out of her last start on July 7 by trainer Terri Pompay.

A hot pace could prove a plus for both Prospective Diva, a last-to-first winner of a five-furlong turf dash against $20,000 claiming rivals May 17, or Tracy’s Ann’s Legacy, who exits a series of in-the-money finishes under similar conditions here during the summer.