Friday, March 23, 2007—MELROSE PARK, ILLINOIS:  I Believe Its True continued his winning ways by capturing Maywood Park’s $11,500 featured Third Race pace Friday night.  The four-year-old son of Cole Muffler was given a near-perfect steer by veteran Hall of Fame reinsman Dave Magee to nail down his third seasonal win in 1:54.1.

“I know when this horse came back from the Meadowlands that John (trainer Butenschoen) wasn’t really happy with his performance (out there),” Magee noted. “Since he’s been back he’s won three of his last four starts and John told me the horse has been a pleasant surprise for him.”

I Believe Its True had a pair of disappointing tenth-place efforts at The Big M in January, and shipped back to his new barn soon afterwards.  His connections claimed him for $25,000 on January 13 at the East Rutherford, NJ one-miler.  Since returning, the bay gelding has earned over $16,000 for owners Larry Baron & VIP Internet Stable LLC of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Brent Holland hustled 2-1 Deville quickly away from the gate and lead the field to a :28.4 first quarter.  The field continued on single file style to the :57.4 half and I Believe Its True was the first to pull going down the backstretch.  Passing the three-quarter mile marker in 1:26, I Believe Its True had his head and front and then quickly cleared the tiring Deville.  The leader than began to draw off with little urging from his driver, and held off a late charge by runner-up My Tractor’s Sexy (Mike Oosting). Deville hung on gamely for third.

“I thought Deville might be a challenge to get around because of the soft fractions but my horse was very aggressive and dug in gamely tonight,” Magee added.

I Believe Its True lowered his seasonal best mark with the victory and upped his career earnings to $62,254.

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