A Magical Vow got herself into a slugfest in her debut start, but came out on top on the $25,000 Sickle's Image Stakes on Friday night at Hazel Park.

The 2-year-old Zulu Magic filly broke alertly in the four-furlong race, and ran between Sheza Magic Match on the rail and Up On the Inside in the third path. Sheza Magic Match and A Magical Vow drew even heading into the turn and set an opening quarter in 25.07 seconds.

That pair remained locked throughout the bend, and were separated by a head at top of the stretch, with Up On the Inside looming wide. Jockey Wayne Barnett pushed A Magical Vow with a vigorous right-handed whip, while Alvaro Hernandez-Lopez used the crop on the same side to urge Sheza Magic Match through the straightaway.

A Magical Vow gained the advantage in the the final handful of jumps and was ridden on to a half-length victory over Sheza Magic Match. Up On the Inside continued on to finish a length behind the runner-up.

A Magical Vow stopped the clock in the half-mile race in 51.59 seconds over a fast track. She paid $14.20 to win as the fourth betting choice.

Barnett rode the Sickle's Image Stakes winner for owner Jenny Barbeau and trainer Tommy Gross. She was bred in Michigan by Davidson's Tracks-N-Time. The filly's debut victory improved her earnings to $15,000.