by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Maywood Park

Melrose Park, IL — Sawgrass Farms’ Thank You Doc looked like a seasoned veteran on Thursday night (July 5) as she rallied in the passing lane to win the $12,000 My Metallica Stake by a head in 1:59.1 for driver Dean Magee at Maywood Park.

Maywood Park photo

Thank You Doc edged past The Bruzilian Blur in the final strides to win Thursday’s My Metallica Stake.

Eased away from the inside starting spot in the field of seven 2-year-old pacing fillies, the homebred daughter of Lexington Legend-Fox Valley Joyful got away in fifth as The Bruzilian Blur sped off to lead the field through an opening quarter in :29.3.

Magee elected to move Thank You Doc to the outside just past the opening station and the Nelson Willis trainee charged up first over to challenge the pacesetter as the youngsters hit the half-mile mark in 1:00.1.

Heading down the backstretch it looked as though The Bruzilian Blur had put away the challenge of Thank You Doc as she drew away to lead by 1-1/4 lengths. That allowed Magee to drop back down to the pylons, leaving favored Dune In Red (Mike Oosting) first over as the field moved past the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:28.4.

In the stretch The Bruzilian Blur continued to show the way as Dune In Red tried to reel her in. Meanwhile, Thank You Doc suddenly seemed to find a second wind as Magee sent her into the passing lane where she responded like an old pro, rallying in the final strides to nip The Bruzilian Blur. Dune In Red was third, just three-quarters of a length behind.

The victory was the first of Thank You Doc’s career after debuting last week with a nice third place finish here at Maywood in another state-bred stake. Coupled in the wagering with Dolly Dune, Thank You Doc returned $10.20 and $3.60. There was no show wagering in the race.