Just Magic Handles Two Turns

Making his first start beyond 6 ½ furlongs, Just Magic was an easy winner of a $44,000 optional claimer Thursday at Hollywood Park.

Ridden by Joel Rosario, the 3-year-old Five Star Day colt out of the Mr. Redoy mare Magic Sister assumed command immediately, set a restrained pace and was never menaced in the final quarter of a mile.

Owned by breeder Budget Stable and trained by Janet Armstrong, Just Magic, the 2-1 second choice in the field of five, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.32 while winning by 3 ¾ lengths.

The victory was the second in four starts for Just Magic and hiked his earnings to $65,360. He has not finished worse than third.

Giving Rosario a sweep of the early double after he won the first race with 9-1 shot Ascot’s Highflyer, Just Magic paid $6, $2.40 and $2.20.

Runner-up Lions Story, the 1-2 favorite, wound up 1 ¾ lengths in front of Gilligan, returning $2.10 and $2.10. Gilligan, who finished third for the sixth time in 24 lifetime starts, paid $3.60 to show.

Boulder Creek and Milty Way completed the order of finish.

The loss was the sixth in a row for Lions Story since his maiden win last Aug. 1 at Del Mar. The son of Wildcat Heir has been the public choice in his four most recent defeats.

Racing resumes Friday. Post time is 7:05 p.m.

At the conclusion of the eighth and final race – approximately 10:30 p.m. – a concert starring Flock Of Seagulls and When In Rome will begin at the North Park Lawn.