by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Lis Mara, currently the top horse in racing, will be at Mohawk Racetrack Saturday night (June 2) as part of the Burlington Stakes undercard.

The 5-year-old son of Cambest will compete in the third race C$45,000 Open Pace as he preps for the final leg of the Classic Series which goes at Mohawk on June 9.

Lis Mara was purchased privately early last season by MJG Racing Stables Inc., with Louis Willinger, who was part of the original ownership group, retaining a 30 per cent interest. Lis Mara promptly went on to be a major force against the best older pacers in the sport. He ended his 2006 campaign with 10 wins from 17 starts and just under $1 million in earnings.

His breakout win came at Mohawk in the $830,370 Canadian Pacing Derby. He also won the Des Smith at Rideau Carleton Raceway and took his 1:47.3 record in winning the $500,000 Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands.

Lis Mara has come back even stronger this season for trainer Erv Miller and is three-for-three to start his 5-year-old campaign. After cruising in 1:48.2 in his first start of the campaign, he followed up with an easy 1:49 score in the second leg of the Classic Series at The Big M on May 5. His most recent win was a scintillating 1:49 tally in the $285,000 Graduate Final at The Meadowlands on May 19 over a track that was listed as “sloppy.”

Lis Mara will start from post two on Saturday with Mark MacDonald picking up the drive.

Stonebridge Regal, who took a new lifetime mark of 1:48.1 in winning the Graduate Prep at The Meadowlands on May 12, is also in the field and will start from post one with Rick Zeron listed to drive.

Saturday’s program also features three C$100,000 divisions of the Burlington Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. It is the final prep for the C$1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup with eliminations set for June 9.

First post Saturday night is at 7:20 p.m.

Here is the field for Saturday night’s C$45,000 Open Pace:

1. Stonebridge Regal – R. Zeron
2. Lis Mara – Ma. MacDonald
3. Secrets Nephew – L. MacArthur
4. Tigerama – Ph. Hudon
5. Holborn Hanover – R. Zeron
6. Red Star Senator – Ra. Waples
7. Escape The Wind – R. Mayotte
8. Whosurboy – S. Condren