The field was deeper, but the result remained the same for Mappos Lion after another powerhouse performance in the top class at Northside Downs on Saturday, May 23.

On paper, the trailing post seven could have been viewed as a handicap in the $1,600 Winners Over Pace, but Dontblvmejustwatch and driver Mark Pezzarello gave 1-9 choice Mappos Lion a gift by leaving hard for command from the inside starting spot. Ryan Campbell kept Mappos Lion tight to Pezzarello's helmet and got away in the pocket early.

Clearing to the lead through a :28 opening quarter, Mappos Lion had things his way on the front end from there. After back-to-back :30.2 panels through the middle half, Mappos Lion roared home in :28.3 to trip the timer in 1:57.2. Hugh Heff closed well for driver Randy Getto to finish second some three lengths back of the winner with his stablemate Dontblvmejustwatch next across the wire.

Now a 32-time winner with more than $320,000 in earnings, Mappos Lion (Sunshine Beach - Pacific Playmate) is trained by Lee Collins for owners Hailee Currie of Rocky Point, P.E.I. and Carol Campbell of Baddeck, N.S. He returned $2.10 to win.

To view the results from Saturday's card of harness racing in North Sydney, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)