by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — Lucky Jim captured his 11th consecutive 2009 start with a dominating 1:52.2 performance in a $40,000 Maxie Lee Memorial elimination on Sunday afternoon (May 24) at Harrah’s Chester.

Owned by David and John Prushnok and William Gregg, trained by Julie Miller, and driven by Andy Miller, Lucky Jim drew off in the stretch for a six length victory over Prayer I Am (George Brennan), with Green Day (Cat Manzi) another three-quarters of a length back in third.

For Lucky Jim, a 4-year-old S J’s Photo-Hawaiian Sierra gelding, his share of the purse lifted his 2009 bankroll to $269,325. The 1:52.2 clocking matched the Harrah’s Chester track record for trotters held by Gabby Glide and Buck I St Pat.

The other $40,000 Maxie Lee Memorial elimination went to Royal Wire Products Inc.’s Lanson in 1:53.2. Ron Pierce was in the sulky for trainer Don Swick as the 5-year-old Self Possessed-M Stewart gelding took advantage of a second-over trip to defeat Four Starz Speed (Yannick Gingras) by a neck. Falls For You (Brian Sears) finished third, 3-3/4 lengths behind the winner.

The win was the third in eight season’s appearances for Lanson and improved his 2009 earnings to $112,700.

The Maxie Lee Memorial Final will be contested next Sunday (May 31) at Harrah’s Chester.