by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Magic Forces (George Brennan, $3.80) quarter-moved to pay-dirt Friday night (June 29), winning Yonkers Raceway’s featured $44,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace.

Katy Gazzini photo

Magic Forces smashed the track record for her 4-year-old mare weight class.

Odds-on from an assigned pole, Magic Forces was away third. She then zipped past Sell A Bit N (Jordan Stratton), taking over just before a :27 opening quarter-mile. When Sell A Bit N backed away and only serious challenger Medusa (Brian Sears) had to work from first-over, Magic Forces had few issues finishing it off (:56, 1:23.2, 1:51) smashing the track record for her 4-year-old mare weight class.

The previous number in the clubhouse (1:51.3) was shared by Rocklamation (2012), Venus Delight (2014), Cinamony (2015, twice) and Tessa Seelster (2016).

Magic Forces whipped Medusa by 2-1/4 angst-free lengths. Bronze Over N (Brent Holland) closed for third, with Mach It A Par (Jason Bartlett) and Sell A Bit N settling for the minors.

The win was one of a Brennan quartet during the 10-race card.

For Magic Forces, an aforementioned 4-year-old lass (daughter of Art Major) owned by Frank Poerio Jr. and trained by Ron Burke, it was her fifth win in 15 seasonal starts. The exacta (inside two assignees) paid $11, the triple returned $43 and the superfecta paid $125.50.