Starting in just her third race since November 15, a stubborn Mystical Escapade went wire-to-wire and held off a fast-closing Heartsaregonnaroll by a diminishing neck in 1:59.2 for trainer/driver Shawn McDonough. Last season, Mystical Escapade had eight victories and nearly $90,000 in earnings. She had finished in fourth and fifth in Open competition in her first two starts of 2014.

 

Scoring from the inside post, Mystical Escapade ($7.50) put up fractions of 30.1, 1:00.0 and 1:29.1 and enjoyed a two length lead at the three quarter pole. In the drive for the wire, Heartsaregonnaroll put in a valiant effort in the passing lane but came up a disappointing neck short. Fiorentina (Kevin Cummings) showed late trot and finished third.

 

It was the first victory of the season for Mystical Escapade (Valley Victor-Armbro Orbital). The 5-year-old mare is owned by Empowered Racing and now has earned $6,615 in 2014 and $156,318 lifetime.

 

It was also a memorable night for 33-year-old provisional driver Bradley Jackson as he steered Mister Briunski ($10.60) to a gate-to-wire win. It was the first pari-mutual victory in just eight career starts for Jackson.

 

Racing will continue on Saturday night with a 13-race slated to begin at 6:40 p.m.