Wishing Stone in Gate-to-Wire Effort in Maxie Lee

CHESTER, PA— The sixth edition of the $250,000 Maxie Lee Memorial was one of two Invitationals that headlined the Sunday card at Harrah’s Philadelphia, attracting eight open trotters. The Burke-trained Wishing Stone took the co-feature in a track and stakes-record 1:52 mile.

Wishing Stone, under a hand-drive, winning the Maxie Lee
(Ken Weingartner USTA Photo)

Wishing Stone got the lead, while Uncle Peter settled into second and Sevruga into third. Ice Machine got away fourth and Modern Family behind him fifth. The field was single-file by the quarter in :27.1. Passing the stands, Modern Family was flushed first over by Blacktuxwhitesocks and he managed to flush Sevruga out as cover. Wishing Stone was unpressured and was rated by the half in :56.4 (:29.3).

Sevruga attempted to challenge Wishing Stone in the sprint down the backstretch. Uncle Peter was trotting in the pocket third and Modern Family was on Andy Miller’s helmet, second over in fourth. Wishing Stone held the lead by three-quarters in 1:24.1 (:27.2). He began to kick away from the field approaching the top of the stretch. Modern Family was fanning wide with a bid, but lost ground in that attempt. Uncle Peter tried to gain ground at the inside and Sevruga was making a quick retreat. Wishing Stone opened up his lead to 3 lengths and won in 1:52. Uncle Peter held on for second, Modern Family was third and Sevruga was fourth.

Wishing Stone ($4.40) is a six-year-old horse by Conway Hall, out of the mare Meadowbranch Magic by Valley Victory. He is owned by Cowboyland Aalborg, T L P Stable, Jerry & Theresa Silva Stables and Deo Volente Farms, trained by Ron Burke and Yannick Gingras guided the colt third victory this season.