Magic Broomstick Sweeps to Victory in Bessarabian

Magic Broomstick flew home late, under jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson, to take Saturday’s Grade 3, $153,400 Bessarabian Stakes, at Woodbine.

The dark bay daughter of More Than Ready, trained by Malcolm Pierce for owner Sam-Son Farms, made the final start of her career a memorable one, completing her 2012 campaign with a third stakes score in as many starts.

Silent Serenity led the field through splits of :22.95, :45.58 and 1:09.78 with Roxy Gap and Her Smile stalking off her right flank.

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With Silent Serenity tiring in the stretch run, Wyomia and Magic Broomstick launched a late rally with the classy six-year-old Sam-Son mare prevailing by 1 ¼-lengths in 1:22.29. Wyomia held on for place over Atlantic Hurricane.

Wilson, who was aboard for seven of Magic Broomstick’s eight career wins, believes that past experience was a key factor in the Bessarabian score.

“She’s quite a unique filly,” said Wilson. “She always gives the impression that you don’t have that kind of kick around the turn. The first couple times I rode her, early in her career, I pulled the trigger early a few times. Now that I know her really well, you just sit on her real patient through the turn and you know you’ll have horse when you ask. Sure enough, she gives that vicious late kick and she’s tough to beat if she’s in range.”

Sally Pierce, assistant trainer to her husband, Malcolm, was full of praise for the mare that also notched off-the-pace scores in the Avowal and River Memories Stakes, this year.

“She’s just improved with age,” said Pierce. “She’s had a great year and our job’s been easy. She’s just nice to be around. It’s always hard (to say goodbye), but it’s nice where she’s going.”

Magic Broomstick retires with a record of eight wins, a second and four thirds from 16 starts and earnings in excess of $400,000.

She paid $9.60, $5.30 and $3.30, combining with Wyomia ($10.60, $5.30) for a $114 (8-9) exactor. An 8-9-3 (Atlantic Hurricane, $3 to show) triactor was worth $409.80 while a $1 superfecta [8-9-3-1 (Moment of Majesty)] came back $1075.40. Actionontwo was scratched.