CAMPBELLVILLE, September 19 – Bee A Magician became the first trotting mare since Peaceful Way in 2006 to win the $680,000 Maple Leaf Trot Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack.
The five-year-old trotting mare and 2013 Horse of the Year turned in a furious final-quarter to capture the 64th edition of the Maple Leaf Trot over elimination winners Resolve and Natural Herbie.
JL Cruze sprinted to the front for driver John Campbell, posting an opening-quarter of :26.4. From post two, Bee A Magician and driver Brian Sears got away third, behind Resolve, the 7/5 favourite. There was a little movement in the second-quarter and JL Cruze was able to take the field by the half in :55.3.
Around the final turn, trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt came out of the two-hole to challenge JL Cruze, which allowed Sears to sit in a perfect second-over striking position turning for home.
In the stretch, Resolve had the jump on Bee A Magician and the two trotters went toe-to-toe down the lane. Bee A Magician showed her heart by powering by in deep stretch to prevail by half a length over Resolve in 1:52.3.
"We were following two of the best horses and the trip worked out great," said Sears following the race. "Ake's (Svanstedt) horse raced super, but she beat a stellar field tonight and I'm very proud of her no doubt about it."
Trained by Richard 'Nifty' Norman, Bee A Magician scored her ninth victory of the season and 40th in 60 career starts Saturday night. Owned by Mel Hartman, Herb Liverman and David McDuffee, Bee A Magician increased her career bankroll to over $3.7 million with the Maple Leaf Trot victory.
"Unbelievable. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Norman post-race. "I'm really happy for the owners, they are a bunch of great guys and she's just a champion and we are lucky to have her."
Over the course of her remarkable career, Bee A Magician has won 17 of 20 starts at Mohawk Racetrack. Last season, Bee A Magician had a quiet season by her standards with four victories, but she has comeback at age five to win nine of 12 starts for earnings just shy of $900,000.
"Just maturity, bigger, stronger," said Norman, regarding Bee A Magician's fantastic five-year-old season. "She sure loves coming here and we couldn't have got a better trip than that."
Bee A Magician paid $6.20, $3.20 and $2.40. The $2 Exactor with Resolve paid $15.70, while the $1 Triactor with Natural Herbie finishing third paid $56. The 2-1-3-8 Superfecta with Whiskey Tax finishing fourth paid $108.22 for $0.20.