Magic Channel Explodes Down the Dip

Magic Channel surged late under Rafael Bejarano to get up and win Thursday’s $45,000 Supernova Purse by a head, covering 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.94.

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and idle since well beaten in a first condition allowance Sept. 4 at Del Mar, Magic Channel, the 2-1 favorite in a field of seven 4-year-olds entered for a $50,000 claiming tag, rallied from last to surge right on the money while wide-out.

A Kentucky-bred gelding by English Channel, Magic Channel paid $6.60, $3.60 and $2.40.

Owned by Gatto Racing, LLC and Bill Myers, Hollendorfer and George Todaro, Magic Channel picked up $27,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $104,451.  Claimed by Hollendorfer two starts back for $50,000, the Supernova was his fourth win from 11 career starts.

Craving Carats, ridden by Victor Espinoza, got a perfect stalking trip from his outside post just in behind dueling leaders No Contingency and Luz Atticus and hit his best stride late, just missing the win while finishing a head in front of This One’s for Mel and Luz Atticus.

The third choice at 4-1, Craving Carats came off a first condition allowance win Jan. 5 at Tampa Bay Downs and made his first start today for trainer Peter Miller.  He paid $4.80 and $2.80.

Speedy Luz Atticus, with apprentice Irving Orozco, and This One’s for Mel, ridden by Corey Nakatani, dead heated for the show.

Luz Atticus, off at 8-1, stayed gamely and was just tagged for the win and place at the wire.  He paid $2.80 to show.

Like the winner, This One’s for Mel lagged far back early and rallied wide through the lane to be part of a blanket finish.  Off at 9-2, he paid $2.20 to show.

Fractions on the race were 22.05, 44.03 and 1:07.17.

There is a Pick Six carryover into Friday at Santa Anita of $70,442.  Friday’s Pick Six will cover races three through eight, and the total pool is expected to approach $500,000.