Oak Grove, KY — Zyler Maxwell, whose driving career began at the age of 16, picked up his 49th career victory on Monday (March 31) at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming in the United States Harness Driving Club featured pace.
Maxwell, who will turn 19 next month, guided Dr. Felecia Herndon’s 5-year-old Malicious mare Saulsbrook Mabel for trainer Darrell Moore to victory in a seasonal best 1:57, using a :28.3 brush home to score by 3-1/2 lengths over Dontinvitemein, handled by Tony Dinges, with Kizzzmelikeumissme, teamed with Peter Kleinhans, rallying for third.
The spirited action began as the wings folded with Dontinvitemein, Joyful Lady and Saulsbrook Mabel all in search of a close-up spot and when the stonedust settled at the :28 opener, Joyful Lady had made the top with Dontinvitemein next and Saulsbrook Mabel nestled in third.
After a :57.4 half and a few strides away from the third station, Dontinvitemein left the cozy pocket and Saulsbrook Mabel intently followed the live cover and took charge once they straightened away for the wire.
For Saulsbrook Mabel, it was her second success in three season’s starts — 11th lifetime — boosting her career earnings to $72,710.
The winner paid $4.10 to her many faithful, and after the win, the humble Maxwell said, “I asked…and she answered. Simple as that.”
Amateurs also had a strong influence throughout the 12-race festivities as USHDC member Tony Dinges had a training grand slam and a driving triple.
In a rare occurrence, three British-bred pacers reached the winner’s circle — My Playmate GB ($33.44), Checkonwilliam GB ($7.06) and Lakeside Logic GB (6.50). Dinges was in the bike for My Playmate GB and Checkonwiliam GB while Trace Tetrick handled the lines back of Lakeside Logic GB.
Dinges also trains and drove Nick Coblentz’s Legacy’s Casanova to victory to secure the grand slam.
In a post-race interview, Dinges related, “They all raced great. ‘Playmate’ got lucky with some soft fractions and sprinted home. ’William’ went a really great mile, especially considering he started from the second tier and Trace (Tetrick) got a very nice journey with ‘Lakeside.’ Nick’s horse got a great trip, as well.
“I thought I might get home in the amateur race (Dontinvitemein), but Zyler’s (Maxwell) mare was really strong in the lane and he drove her real good.
“All-in-all, it was a really good day.”
The USHDC has donated over $325,000 to worthwhile organizations since its inception with several donations planned for the coming weeks during the Oak Grove meeting.