Sparky Mark was a repeat winner at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday night as he cruised gate-to-wire in the $34,000 Preferred Pace for his new owner.
With the inside post advantage, favourite Sparky Mark and five-time Saturday night winning driver Scott Zeron forced second choice Casimir Jitterbug (Doug McNair) to settle for a pocket trip during a :26.2 opening panel. The six-year-old son of Astreos proceeded to lead the field to the half in :56 and three-quarters in 1:24.1 before Casimir Jitterbug offered up another challenge in the stretch as he squeezed through between the leader and fading first over attacker, Anderlecht (Jody Jamieson). However, Sparky Mark held him at bay to win by half a length in 1:51.1, returning $3.70 to his backers as the 4-5 bettors' choice. Sing For Me George (Rick Zeron) closed from last to show.
Windsor, Ont. breeder Leo Thibodeau sold the Mark Austin trainee privately to Amherstburg's David Kryway following his last victory in the Open on Feb. 23. According to WEG's communications department, Sparky Mark will now head to Dover Downs for new conditioner Josh Green.
The 30-time winner has banked $653,440 thus far in his racing career. This year the consistent pacer has earned three wins and three seconds in six seasonal starts to bank $80,500.
The victory in the second race feature was the first of five on the 11-race card for Zeron. He also scored with Nowucit Nowudont ($5.60) for trainer Per Henriksen, Roethblissberger ($18.30) for Victor Puddy, Double Dribble ($25.90) for Joe Agostino, and GD Airliner ($4.50) for Rene Allard. The Oakville, Ont. driver now boasts 67 victories on the year and is just seven away from the 2,000-win mark.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.