by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Steve Elliott, veteran trainer, knows anything can happen in a horse race but he’s confident Southwind Tempo will come out on top in the $250,632 James M. Lynch Memorial Pace on Saturday afternoon (June 16) at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

Southwind Tempo, his 3-year-old Bettor’s Delight filly out of Tsunami Hanover by Artsplace, will be a heavy favorite to win the 2007 edition of the Lynch that will carry the highest purse in its 13th year of existence at the Northeastern Pennsylvania racetrack.

“She came back ‘fresh as a daisy’ after her elimination race last week,” noted Elliott. “She jogged very good Monday and Tuesday and never seems to get tired. I really believe she’s right up there with Burning Point and Sweet Reflection. Southwind Tempo might even be better. She’s got a big motor and does everything right.

“There’s no doubt she’s a Cadillac.”

Sweet Reflection went on to win $1 million in her career while Burning Point, Elliott’s current star pacing mare, has won more than $2.7 million.

Lifetime, Southwind Tempo has won nine of 10 races with one second-place finish. She lost by a head in that race. Last week’s elimination race for the Lynch saw her winning in 1:50.4, just four ticks off the track mark for a 3-year-old pacing filly.

“You really can’t take anything for granted in a horse race,” said Elliott. “But Tim (Tetrick) likes her and will be in the sulky. Tim does a great job on the racetrack. He can get the most out of a horse.

“Pocono Downs has always been among my favorite places to race. It has a great racing surface. I just love coming there.”

Right after the race, Elliott will be hoping aboard a jet from the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton International Airport en route to Toronto, Canada, to see Artistic Fella, another of his highly touted horses, compete in a $250,000 Classic Final at Mohawk Racetrack.