Laneside Lexus Stays Perfect In Canada

Despite being assigned the outside post position in a field of nine, British import Laneside Lexus overcame the handicap to score another convincing victory in the $42,000 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace at Woodbine Racetrack on Friday night

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Driver Billy Davis Jr. fired Laneside Lexus off the gate and was parked out through a :26.3 opening quarter before clearing to command. The 1-5 favourite proceeded to the half-mile mark in :55.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.2 while 60-1 longshot Queen Of Royalty and Luc Ouellette advanced first up from fourth to apply mild pressure. However, Laneside Lexus shook off that foe into the stretch and opened up three lengths en route to victory in 1:53.4. Millionaire Voelz Hanover (Mario Baillargeon) finished second off a pocket trip while Queen Of Royalty ended up third.

Laneside Lexus is now perfect is four Canadian starts, including two Open Mare events at Woodbine, and has won six in a row for owner Neville Bainbridge of Barnard Castle, England. While in Canada, the eight-year-old Hopping High-Goldilocks mare is trained by Corey Johnson, a four-time winner on the card.

Laneside Lexus paid $2.60 to win as the heavy 1-5 favourite.

In other action, driver Doug McNair avoided injuries when he was unseated during a 10th race incident. His mount, Whole Lotta Shakin, got rough-gaited in the pocket around the final turn and fell to his knees. McNair bailed from the bike, but quickly returned to his feet and the driver's seat in the next race. Whole Lotta Shakin was caught in the backstretch with no serious injuries.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.