Despite jumping up two classes, Ontario-sired Magic Wheel controlled the mile after an uncertain start and collected her third straight victory at The Meadows in Wednesday’s $18,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot.
Magic Wheel appeared to be idling on the outside early before Mike Wilder clicked her into gear. She roared to the front and scored in 1:58.1 on a “slow” surface. Dont Blink shot the Lightning Lane, but fell a neck short while Lady Crown was third. Daylon Miracle, another Ontario-sired mare and the 1-9 favourite, faltered first over and finished fifth.
Kris Hite trains Magic Wheel for Pennsylvania owner Tom Svrcek. With the win, the six-year-old Kadabra-WS Balanced Wheel mare extended her career bankroll over the $500,000 mark.
Aaron Merriman and Peter Wrenn each drove three winners on the 14-race card.
(With files from The Meadows)