by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Pacing star Lis Mara devastated a field of top older pacers with a 1:49.3 victory in Saturday night’s (June 2) C$45,000 Open Pace at Mohawk Racetrack. It was the fastest mile paced in Canada so far this season.

In rein to Mark MacDonald, the 5-year-old son of Cambest–Lisheen dropped in fourth as the field tracked Red Star Senator (Randy Waples) to the opening quarter in :26.1.

Stonebridge Regal (Mario Baillargeon) popped out of third and brushed to the front as soon as the field entered the backstretch, and hot on his heels was Lis Mara.

The United States and Canada’s Older Pacing Horse of the Year in 2006 cleared to the top through a :54.2 half before speeding to the three-quarter pole in 1:22.

Under wraps through the lane, Lis Mara paced home in :27.3 to halt the teletimer in 1:49.3. Tigerama (Phil Hudon) was a best of the rest second, while Holborn Hanover (Rick Zeron) rallied to finish third.

“He was pretty comfortable, he still had the plugs in,” said driver Mark MacDonald. “He could have gone around again. He’s a bigger, stronger horse this year. This is the first time I’ve driven him, and he was very impressive.”

Erv Miller, who trains the pacer for MJG Racing Stables Inc. and Louis Willinger, watched the pacer’s 2007 bankroll climb to $227,150 with the win. The victory was the 22nd lifetime decision for the career winner of $1,375,171.

A number of the pacers that competed in Saturday night’s Open will return to Mohawk next Saturday evening to compete in the third leg of the Pacing Classic. Mohawk will host all four finals of this year’s Classic Series on Saturday, June 16.