by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Just as he’s done all season long “Bill” Wright and Mystical Marker Farms King Mufasa continued to rule the Illinois conceived and foaled 3-year-old colt trotting ranks as he cruised to a very easy five-length victory in 1:56.1 while overpowering five rivals in Sunday’s $12,000 Betzotic Stake.

Balmoral Park photo

King Mufasa won the 13th in 14 starts this season as he knocked off five other ICF 3-year-old trotting colts in Sunday’s $12,000 Betzotic Stake at Balmoral Park.

Confidently handled by leading driver Mike Oosting, the gelded son of Powerful Emotion-Foxy N Diamonds was unhurried away from the inside starting spot, landing in third as Semper Fit (Dave Magee) and Fox Valley Camo (Jamaica Patton) battled through an opening quarter in 28.2.

After straightening up on the backstretch, Oosting then moved the Mike Brink trainee to the outside where he quickly rushed to the front, swallowing up the leaders with no trouble while showing the way through middle splits of 56.3 & 1:26.2.

With plenty still in reserve King Mufasa began to drawn clear with every stride, leaving his rivals in his wake while cruising under the wire with his 13th win in 14 starts this season. Fox Valley Camo held on well to finish second while Semper Fit finished third.

Bet as though defeat was out of the question, King Mufasa returned $2.40 & $2.10. Show wagering was not allowed in the race. With the $6,000 winner’s check, the good looking brown gelding now boasts a bankroll of $209,840 in 2013.