Blake's Magic Up Late at Santa Anita

Blake’s Magic tried two turns for the first time in her eight-race career on Friday and prevailed by a head in Santa Anita’s featured $30,000 Starfish starter allowance purse, getting one mile on turf in 1:35.20 under Aaron Gryder.

Under patient handling from Gryder, Blake’s Magic bided her time in third position at the rail coming to the quarter pole and found a seam three off the fence turning for home and was able to gradually wear Hanserella down late to get the win.

“I was tucked in behind the horses in front of me and she just was very game down the stretch,” said Gryder.  “I was expecting a big effort out of her today and was glad she wanted it more than anyone else.”

Breaking from post position two in a field of eight fillies and mares, Blake’s Magic was the second choice in the wagering at 5-2 and paid $7.20, $3.60 and $2.60.

Trained by Mark Glatt and owned by Cory Wagner, Blake’s Magic, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred filly by Bernstein, improved her overall record to 8-2-2-2.  With the winner’s share of $18,000, she increased her earnings to $71,290.

Ridden by Brice Blanc, Hanserella broke sharply from the far outside post and layed a close second to longshot Warrens Lil Margie before taking the lead midway around the far turn and just missed in a game effort.

The actual third choice at 5-2, Hanserella paid $3.80 and $2.60.

Off at 5-1, Backintheacademy, ridden by Edwin Maldonado, finished a length behind Hanserella and paid $3.80 to show.

Fractions on the race were 24.05, 47.69, 1:11.45 and 1:23.31.