J&M Racing Stable's Embassy Seelster set a new track record for aged pacing mares with a 1:51.3 triumph in Tuesday’s $12,500 Mares Open II at Harrington Raceway.
The Doug Lewis-trained Embassy Seelster led most of the way for driver George Dennis en route to posting a half-length victory over San Fran Lady N and Star Keeper. She returned $10.80 to her backers.
The five-year-old Modern Art mare reset the track record, formerly held by Ladyfield (1:51.4) set in 2008. It was also a new national season's mark for pacing mares in North America on a half mile racetrack. That mark was formerly held by runner up San Fran Lady N (1:52.1). Harrington currently holds five of the nine national season's marks on half-mile racetracks.
Also Encouraging ($2.10, Jim Morand), a top sophomore filly from last year who made $316,761, returned for her first win in her second start of this season for owners Richard Lombardo and David Kryway with a 1:53.3 score for trainer Josh Green in a $10,000 conditioned event.
Another talented mare on the comeback trail notched her first four-year-old win as CC Racing's Tyra ($4.80, Victor Kirby) capitalized on a class drop for a 1:54 win in a $10,000 conditioned pace.
Trained by Jim King, Jr., the four-year-old Mcardle mare was a beaten favourite in Open company last week but helped to atone for that defeat with her first win in three starts this year.
(Harrington Raceway)