Nichols, NY — Prairie Magical (Jim Taggart Jr.) charged late to take the $10,000 featured distaff pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (May 31).

Firstofanera (Ridge Warren) led to the quarter in :27.3 and the half in :56.2. Beantown Babe (Aaron Byron) came first-over and challenged for the lead going up the backstretch, but Firstofanera maintained a short lead at three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they reached the stretch, Beantown Babe took the lead, but Prairie Magical ($10.20) came flying down the lane like she was shot out of a cannon. She blew right on by to win, equaling her lifetime best of 1:53.4. Beantown Babe had to settle for second; No Cigar Tony (Mike Merton) finished third.

Prairie Magical burst onto the scene late and equaled her lifetime mark in Friday’s distaff pacing feature at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown photo.

Prairie Magical is a 4-year-old mare by Royel Millennium. She is owned and trained by Laurie Poulin. It was her first win in 2024. She now has seven career victories.

Braxten Boyd, Jim Pantaleano and Ridge Warren had driving doubles. Kevin Raynolds Jr. had a training double.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs with a 10-race card on Saturday (June 1) at 6:15 p.m. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.