Last week Lis Deo was trapped behind tired horses in the Open Pace at Scioto Downs, but on Saturday night he wasn’t about to be trapped again

and won by 8-3/4 lengths in 1:53.4.

Kyle Ater was in the bike for trainer Chris McGuire, who owns the pacer in partnership with Huggybear Racing LLC.

Lis Deo dueled briefly with Camcoder and driver David Myers early in the mile, but assumed control the of race in the second quarter after an opening panel in :27.1. Ater then slowed the tempo and waited for the anticipated attack from the rear guard.

That never happened as Lis Deo simply paced away from his pursuers, opening up to a five-length lead at the three-quarter pole, a 10-length lead entering the stretch, and he hit the wire eased up with an 8-3/4-length margin.

Spartan Pride rallied to get second place over Camcoder while Boccio and Moreland Flash also picked up checks. Whythehellnot N broke stride at the start and was never a factor in the race.

It was the sixth win in 23 starts in 2011 for Lis Deo, who also has four seconds and a trio of thirds this season.

Lis Deo was one of three winners on the night for driver Kyle Ater, whose lifetime wins now stand at 985.

(Scioto Downs)