Patience tends to be a virtue, and Mystical Virgin proved that in Saturday’s (Jan. 21) $18,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace when rallying from off the pace to win in 1:52.4.
There were several leaving for the first turn in the Saturday night feature, but Adorabella cleared the lead through the first eighth of a mile. Favourite Waitforever N got caught three wide around the first turn, with Asante Sana A also leaving. Asante Sana A and Waitforever N both got parked through a very fast :26.1 first quarter.
Thompson continued to pressure the pace from the outside, with Asante Sana A challenging Adorabella to the half in :54.3. The action continued to heat up with three-eighths of a mile to go as Mystical Virgin tipped four wide after Adorabella set those torrid fractions in front of her. Getting to three-quarters in 1:23.1, Rock Me Cristal found room off the pylons to take her shot at Adorabella, who began to waiver around the last turn.
It appeared that Mystical Virgin would draw off in the final turn, but both Rock Me Cristal and Waitforever N both fought on gamely through the stretch. Mystical Virgin eventually kicked clear, winning by two lengths in 1:52.4. Waitforever N had to settle for second, and Rock Me Cristal battled to be third.
It was the 35th victory for Mystical Virgin, who has now amassed $408,829 in career earnings for owner Rebecca Sugg and owner/trainer Edward Miller. Kurt Sugg steered the winner.
MGM Northfield Park has announced a $20,000 guaranteed $1 Pick-4 total pool for Sunday’s (Jan. 22) race card. Beginning in Race 2, the $20,000 guarantee includes a carryover of $6,642. The guarantee is being offered as part of the Strategic Wagering Program through the United States Trotting Association.
Northfield's $1 Pick 3s, Pick 4s, Pick 5, 50-cent Pick 6 and 20-cent Super High Five offer a reduced takeout rate of just 14 per cent.
Sunday’s post time is 6 p.m. (EST).
(Northfield Park)