by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — There will be a pair of Autumn Stakes eliminations for 3-year-old pacing colts taking place Saturday night (Nov. 27) at Woodbine Racetrack and trainer Mark Austin believes Sparky Mark can repeat in this event.

New Image Media photo

Sparky Mark will be seeking a repeat win in the Autumn Stakes.

After scoring the victory in the C$39,800 final last year in the 2-year-old division, the 3-year-old son of Astreos has posted back-to-back dominating victories at Georgian Downs in 1:51.2 and 1:52.3.

“He couldn’t be coming into (Saturday) night’s race any better, especially after his last two starts at Georgian (Downs),” Austin told WEG’s media department. “He’s had a great week and I’m confident he’ll be a major threat (Saturday) night.”

Despite lameness issues earlier in his career Austin believes that Sparky Mark’s best days are ahead of him.

“He’s always been an extremely talented horse. We just had a few issues with him at different times in his career. We found chips in his ankles last January and had to shut him down and then in June we had to remove a chip in his knee.

“We gave him the time he needed and qualified him again in September. Since then, he’s responded well.”

Sparky Mark has posted five career victories and has earned C$59,390 lifetime for owner/breeder Leo Thibodeau of Windsor, Ontario.

Sparky Mark will go to post for driver Jody Jamieson in the fourth race Saturday night. First race post time is 7:30 p.m.