Driver Kayne Kauffman’s patience paid off in Saturday’s featured %5,500 Ohio Lottery Open Pace at Scioto Downs. His horse, Lis Deo, was the beneficiary of a duel that left him the freshest horse in the homestretch
. Lis Deo paced past the leaders to win in 1:55.3 by two and a quarter lengths.
Kauffman was driving for trainer Chris McGuire, who owns the six-year-old in partnership with Huggybear Racing LLC. It was Lis Deo’s fifth win in 21 starts this year.
The race began with Jeff Nisonger sending Gordieisanartist away fastest from the outside post in the small field of five pacers. He rocketed to the opening quarter in :27.3, then Nisonger tapped the brakes to ease the tempo. The second quarter was in :30 seconds.
That promoted Zach Henry to come calling on the outside with Jates Boy as Kauffman sat third on the inside with Lis Deo. He watched the leaders battle through a third quarter in :28.3, but when they were battle weary, Lis Deo was full of pace and romped past them in the stretch to win easily.
Gordieisanartist edged Jates Boy for second while Camcoder finished fourth.
Lis Deo is a gelded son of The Panderosa from Lisheen by Abercrombie. He was one of three winners Saturday night for Kayne Kauffman.
(Scioto Downs)