by John Pawlak, marketing director, USTA

Columbus, OH — Big-purse harness racing will return to the Delaware Valley on Sunday (July 22) when Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack hosts the $300,000 Ben Franklin Final for Free For All Pacers, which harkens to some of the major races once contested at Brandywine Raceway and Liberty Bell Park.

Fans at neither of those now-shuttered tracks, however, probably ever saw such a rich and talented field of eight — which includes five millionaires and three champions. They would, we’re sure, recognize that MJGB Racing Stables and Louis Willinger’s Lis Mara, a winner of $1,546,741 and the reigning Older Pacing Horse of the Year, would be the key horse in their handicapping.

We, like others, raised an eyebrow two weeks ago when the Erv Miller-trained and Brian Sears-driven son of Cambest and the Abercrombie mare Lisheen got run down in the stretch in the $650,000 William Haughton Memorial Final, but it now appears to have been a hiccup.

Last week’s track record performance in the Ben Franklin Elimination, in which Lis Mara came from eighth at the half-mile pole to win by three-quarters of a length, in 1:49, signaled all is well. Add to that the fortune of having drawn the rail for Sunday’s final, and Lis Mara seems to justify the morning line maker’s 8-5 pre-race impost.

We agree, and immediately began to search for an Exacta mate, Trifecta mates, and Superfecta mates.

Gold Dust Beach (post two, David Miller to drive), set the fractions for Lis Mara last week, and we’ll learn much about the final outcome when both leave side-by-side. It’s clear that “Gold Dust” likes the lead and Lis Mara is usually content to chase early, so they will almost certainly be one-two when they reach the water turn. And, they’ll finish that way — we think.

The key to a sweeter Exacta to hook with Lis Mara will be to find a party crasher, and that might be Took Hanover. He was razor-sharp for John Campbell last week; he made a three-wide move in the middle of the mile, grabbed the lead in the stretch, but wobbled and narrowly finished second to Lis Mara. Having the number six post position on Sunday, however, seems to be enough to make him our third choice.

Superfecta players will have to pick from a supporting cast which advanced from the elimination, but failed to inspire. But one of two millionaire champions, Timesareachanging (post seven, Andy Miller) and Jereme’s Jet (eight, Tony Morgan), should be good enough to get fourth money.

Editor’s Note: The $300,000 Ben Franklin Final will be the 13th stop on the USTA’s Cyber Circuit. Be sure to view the race replay moments after the “official” sign is posted. Follow the entire Cyber Circuit by following this link.