Magic Broomstick flew home late under jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson to take the $154,535 Bessarabian Stakes (Can-III) by 1 1/4 lengths Nov. 24 at Woodbine (VIDEO).
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 consecutive stakes score.
In the seven-furlong test of fillies and mares, 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.
With Silent Serenity tiring in the stretch run, Wyomia and Magic Broomstick launched a late rally with the classy 6-year-old Sam-Son mare prevailing in 1:22.29 under a strong drive from Wilson. Wyomia held on for under Justin Stein by a neck over 2-1 favorite Atlantic Hurricane, who won last year's Bessarabian by five lengths.
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 a mare that also notched off-the-pace scores in the Avowal and River Memories Stakes this year.
"She's just improved with age," she said. "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 $487,706. C.J. Hesse bred her in Kentucky out of the Broad Brush mare Special Brush.
Carrying 121 pounds, she paid $9.60, $5.30 and $3.30, combining with Wyomia ($10.60, $5.30) for a $114 exacta. Atlantic Hurricane ($3 to show), ridden by Luis Contreras, rounded out a trifecta worth $409.80.
Moment of Majesty finished fourth, followed by Miss Inclined, Her Smile, Silent Serenity, Roxy Gap, and Stars to Shine. Actionontwo and Forest Uproar scratched.
Magic Broomstick and Emma-Jayne Wilson take the Bessarabian Stakes at Woodbine.
Michael Burns