British import Laneside Lexus, a multiple stakes winner across the pond, stepped up to tackle the Open mares at Woodbine Racetrack on Friday night and kept her North American record in mint condition with a dazzling gate-to-wire triumph
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Firing off the gate from the inside post position in the $42,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace, Laneside Lexus and driver Billy Davis Jr. took control of the field and put up a blazing :25.3 opening quarter.
The eight-year-old mare proceeded to the half in :54.2 before coming under attack. Down the backstretch, Bullet Point and Scott Zeron angled off the pylons from fourth and flushed the popular millionairess Voelz Hanover and Mario Baillargeon out of the pocket.
Voelz Hanover applied pressure to the leader past the 1:23.2 third quarter station, but Lexus Laneside drew clear around the turn and cruised to a career-best victory in 1:50.3. Voelz Hanover finished nearly two lengths behind in second while the Paul MacDonell-driven Bay Girl, the winner's new barn buddy at the Corey Johnson stable, came in third.
Johnson trains Laneside Lexus for owner Neville Bainbridge of Barnard Castle, England. The Hopping High-Goldilocks mare now boasts three straight wins on Canadian soil.
Laneside Lexus paid $5.40 to win as the second choice.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
As one of the owners of Tir
As one of the owners of Tir Prince Raceway, the UK's premier half mile track, I have had the pleasure of seeing this wonderful mare race on many occassions and in 2011 it set a UK record for a mare when winning the final of the Crock of Gold the UK's most prestigious series for pacers, in 1.573. Laneside lexus's owner Neville Bainbridge and the UK trainer and driver Alexis and Rocker Laidler are a credit to the sport, it is wonderful to see a British horse having success in North America. I was very impressed with the Woodbine track and the video coverage. For those who follow International pacing the final of the Crock of Gold will be on 21st July heats at aproximately 18.00 hours UK time with the final at 21.15 hours. If anyone is visiting the UK I will try and get them complimentary tickets for more details see www.tirprince.co.uk
Textbook drive by DAVIS,
Textbook drive by DAVIS, grabbing the rail for the whole race in the third with LANESIDE LEXUS racking up another win. This horse is from England, and has not lost here on this side of the pond. Looks to be a real money machine for driver BILLY DAVIS JR.
He was 8-5 tonight; will be less on the tote from now on.