by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Editor

Lexington, KY — Only Giant Diablo’s 1:50.1 score earlier in the program kept Mystical Sunshine from putting her name in the world record books. The 6-year-old Yankee Glide mare romped to an easy 1:50.3 triumph in the $82,700 Allerage Farms Open Mare Trot on Saturday at The Red Mile.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Mystical Sunshine romped to an easy 1:50.3 triumph in the $82,700 Allerage Farms Open Mare Trot.

Daniel Dube was in the bike for owners Alvin Jacobson Estate and Sidney Korn. Chris Ryder trains the winner, who has scored eight times this year, with earnings of $337,070.

Passionate Glide, in her final career start, was fastest off the gate and took the field to the opening quarter in :28.1 with Mystical Sunshine in the pocket. David Miller powered Wildfire Julie to the lead at the :55.1 half-mile marker and remained in front as the field hit the three-quarter pole in 1:23.1.

Mystical Sunshine popped off the rail on the final turn, took over the lead in the stretch, and drew clear to the impressive victory in 1:50.3. Buck I St Pat (Dave Palone) closed nicely to finish second, while Queen Serene (Brian Sears) was third. Passionate Glide faded all the way to tenth and last.

Although Mystical Sunshine did not get a world record, Ryder was still thrilled.

“You can’t complain about that,” he said. “We can hold our heads high. We are so proud of her today.

“There have been no particular changes — she’s just gotten better on her own. Halfway through the year she started winning and getting better and better. She’s amazing.

“Dan (Dube) is a little guy with a good pair of hands. Sunshine likes to race. He has done a great job on her. Full marks for him.”

Ryder said Mystical Sunshine has one more start before she heads to the Harrisburg Sale this fall.