Vegas Magic surges in final strides of Everett Nevin Stakes

Vegas Magic looked hopelessly beaten on the turn of Saturday’s $76,800 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif.

After stalking the pace in the opening furlong, Vegas Magic was seventh, in front of just two rivals, when the field reached the top of the stretch. A few strides later, Vegas Magic began to make progress on the leaders, a rally that took her to the front in the final strides of the race at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Ridden by Frank Alvarado, Vegas Magic ($4.60) closed between horses to catch an unlucky Fumano’s Girl. Vegas Magic, who trailed by 3 3/4 lengths with a furlong remaining, won by a nose in 1:05.39.

Fumano’s Girl (19-1) was well positioned in early stretch. She took the lead from pacesetter Man Oh Man in the final sixteenth, but could not hold off Vegas Magic. Fumano’s Girl finished a length in front of Man Oh Man, who set an early pace of 22.07 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.17 for a half-mile.

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Electric Lettuce, the sharp winner of a maiden race at Golden Gate Fields on June 11, was the 3-1 second choice, but was not a factor in the final furlong, fading to finish fifth by 3 1/4 lengths.

Vegas Magic became the first stakes winner for Good Magic, the champion 2-year-old male of 2017 who stands at stud in Kentucky. Good Magic’s oldest runners are 2-year-olds.

Owned by the partnership of Omar Aldabbagh, Todd Cady, and Ty Leatherman, Vegas Magic is unbeaten in two starts, having won a maiden special weight race for fillies at Santa Anita on June 11.

Trained by Doug O’Neill, Vegas Magic was purchased for $100,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in-training in March. Vegas Magic has earned $85,200.