Makin Magic Tonight Gets Lucky in the Open Trot

June 10, 2026

Today’s racing featured an 11-race card, highlighted by the $9,000 Open Trot, last week’s winner of the Open, Cotton Candy Cutie was scratched, whittling the field down to 7. Starting from post position 6 was Makin Magic Tonight (R. Silvestri III) who left alertly to make the top. From there the 7-year-old Kadabra mare cut fractions of 28.4,59. At the half Prince Archie (T. Merton) and Grey Clouds (R. Cushing) got underway and continued down the backside the pack hit the next station at 1:28.2. Turning for home Woodside Genius went up the passing lane with Makin Magic Tonight in the middle of the track. In a tight photo Makin Magic Tonight got the win over Prince Archie with Woodside Genius getting third in 1:58.1 -$7.14. It was the winner’s second consecutive win in the open class for trainer Jenna Cornelison.

Also on tap were 2 events for the NAADA series, Robert Ciavardini took the first heat aboard My Secret Ability in 1:59.1 for trainer Danny Gill. Yogi Sheridan took the other event with the Pete Pellegrino trained Southside Bar in 1:59 – $5.40. Highborn (J. Taggart Jr.) picked up a new lifetime mark with his win in 1:53.2 -$14.64 for owner Brandon Parker and trainer Zeke Parker. Queen Of Egypt (M. Merton) who seems to prefer Monticello Raceway scored in a 8 length romp for trainer Lisa Martin in 1:57.2 – $2.10.

Jim Taggart Jr was on a tear at the start of the day, reeling off 3 wins in the first 4 races,each of the Merton brothers Greg, Mike and Tommy all recorded driving wins.