Magic Dance Clear Late in Debutante

LOUISVILLE, KY – Three Chimneys Farm’s homebred Magic Dance returned to the site of her maiden-breaking debut effort just three weeks ago to again come out victorious, this time in Saturday’s $125,000 Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Breaking from post 7 as the 1/5 favorite under Ricardo Santana, Jr., Magic Dance raced three-wide just behind early leaders My Good Girl and Cholula Lips through fractions of :21.51 and :45.15. Making her bid at the top of the stretch, Magic Dance worked hard to wear down a tough Cholula Lips, getting past that foe late before crossing with a 1 1/2-length advantage in a final time of 1:10.26 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track.

“She got herself into a perfect position early on in the race,” said Santana, Jr. “She was ready to run today and fought back against (Cholula Lips) on our inside. That was a very nice performance.”

Cholula Lips was 2 1/4 lengths clear of Lady Glamour for second, while it was another 7 lengths back to Indy Takes Charge in fourth. Secretly Wicked, My Good Girl, Megan Marie, and Lady George completed the order of finish.

Street Flyer was listed as a trainer scratch.

Magic Dance’s win pushed the earnings mark for the 2-year-old daughter of More Than Ready to $130,023.

“This is a very special win for us for Three Chimneys Farm,” Asmussen said. “This horse was broke at my parent’s ranch in Laredo, Texas. She proved today that the 3/4 (mile) distance was no problem.”

Magic Dance returned $2.60 to win, $2.40 to place, and $2.10 to show. Cholula Lips brought back $3.80 to place and $3.60 to show, while Lady Glamour paid $8 to show.