Magic Lily could be hard to catch in bid for repeat win
Magic Lily looked great winning a $25,000 claiming race for fillies and mares in her first start at Emerald Downs on May 29 and could repeat when she comes back at the same level Friday.
The versatile 5-year-old Magic Lily came from a stalking position to win her latest race going six furlongs. She could end up being the one they have to catch in the 6 1/2-furlong feature that drew seven horses.
Acting on behalf of owner Where We At, trainer Gil Matos claimed Magic Lily for $16,000 at Golden Gate Fields on March 25. In her first start for her new connections, Magic Lily forced the pace before tiring to finish fourth in a $25,000 claiming race April 24. She was sent to trainer Jim Penney, and in her first start for him, she received a smart ride by Joe Steiner. Magic Lily broke sharply and could have engaged in a pace battle with Seeking the Light and Dancing Effie. Instead, Steiner wisely eased her off the pace and then asked her to take over the race turning for home.
There is not as much obvious speed in Friday’s race, and if Magic Lily breaks sharply from post 5, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Steiner let her roll early.
Trainer Chris Stenslie was looking for an easier spot when she scratched Perhaps a Pie out of the $50,000 Washington State Legislators on Monday. This came up pretty tough, however, and Perhaps a Pie will need her best effort to win.
Perhaps a Pie is coming off a big effort in a one-mile race at this level, where she set a moderate pace and then held on gamely through a fast final quarter to lose by a neck. Her last win came going 6 1/2 furlongs, so she won’t mind the cutback in distance.
Race 6
KEY CONTENDERS
Magic Lily, by With Distinction
Last 3 Beyers: 71-67-72
◗ It has been a while since the classy mare, who has compiled a 7-7-7 record from 37 starts for earnings of $210,155, didn’t make at least some kind of impact.
Perhaps a Pie, by Tale of Ekati
Last 3 Beyers: 66-63-65
◗ That was a tough beat in her first route attempt this year.
FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Stenslie has a respectable 15 percent strike rate with horses going from a route to a sprint.
Citizen Kitty, by Proud Citizen
Last 3 Beyers: 72-71-60
◗ Trained by Jeff Metz, the win-shy 4-year-old is coming off a third-place finish in the $50,000 Hastings at Emerald on May 22 and will appreciate the class relief while running in a straight claiming race for the first time in her 16-race career.