'Magnolia' runs down Speed Bag

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - On a day of upsets at Aqueduct, Magnolia Jackson posted a relatively mild one to take the 66th running of the as the second choice in a field of six older fillies and mares.

Magnolia Jackson, a 4-year-old New York-bred trained by Gary Contessa, chased pacesetter Speed Bag from the opening bell before finally edging away in deep stretch under Norberto Arroyo Jr.

Jose Santos, who earlier in the day notched the North victory of his career, was bidding for win No. 4,001 as he put Speed Bag on a clear lead through an opening quarter in 22.95 seconds. Magnolia Jackson cut into the lead around the turn, and the pair opened daylight on the field after a half-mile in 46.46 seconds. Magnolia Jackson poked a head in front at the eighth pole, and prevailed by three-quarters of a length after running six furlongs in 1:10.24 on an inner-dirt track rendered good by afternoon showers.

Speed Bag held second by three lengths over 3-5 favorite Great Intentions, who was steadied at the half-mile pole and tired after putting in a three-wide run nearing the stretch. Schemer, Midtown Miss, and Acey Deucey completed the order of finish.

"I give all the credit to the filly and Gary [Contessa]," said Arroyo. "We had an outside post, and all

I had to do was not get in trouble and not mess it up. She's a really nice filly."

Magnolia Jackson paid $10.60 to win, and earned $41,847 of the $69,745 purse for owner Ted Taylor. The win was her fifth in eight career starts, and the third on the card for Contessa, whose meet-leading victory total reached 37.

No one hit the pick six for the second straight day, resulting in a carryover of $148,150 into Sunday's card.

Saturday's late pick four returned $189,016 for $2.