After a solid performance against the best aged pacers in the world in the Ben Franklin two weeks ago at Pocono Downs, Dylan Davis trainee Mel Mara has returned to the races.
Mel Mara was in action Sunday (July 17) at Harrah’s Philadelphia, where he went postward for a $25,000 Winner's Over pace.
After having started from Post 7, the seven-year-old son of Lis Mara left well and cleared to the lead well before the opening quarter (:26.2). After having rated the (:55), Mel Mara turned it up a notch, as he paced his third quarter in :26.3 (1:21.3).
Mel Mara finished strong and stopped the clock in 1:48.4 (:27.1 last quarter). He finished under wraps, as driver Trace Tetrick never asked the now-14-time winner for any pace. Clear Vision (driven by Yannick Gingras) finished second, while Southwind Amazon (Marcus Miller) overcame a tough trip to finish third.
Mel Mara is owned by Robert Cooper Stables and J & T Silva Stables. He won by four lengths in the end, and paid $2.40 to win.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)