After mastering the art of winning on the half-mile ovals in the Maritimes earlier this year, Mappos Lion tried his luck – and passed the test with flying colours - on the bigger oval Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park for new trainer/driver Paul MacDonell.
The four-year-old son of Sunshine Beach-Pacific Playmate, who entered the $15,000 conditioned assignment with a 7-1-0 record from 10 trips to the track this season, cruised to a handy win and took down a new lifetime mark of 1:52.3 in the process.
MacDonell tucked in fourth in the early going with Mappos Lion while Flash Tothe Finish too the field to the opening quarter in :28.1. He was then overtaken by Global Crush in the backstretch, and MacDonell was the next to move and then clear.
Mappos Lion had them lined up in behind him at the half in :56, and then the three-quarter pole in 1:25.2. A :27.1 final quarter propelled Mappos Lion to the win by 5-3/4 lengths over Kinkaid Seelster. Peter Poole took home the show dough in the 10-horse affair.
Carol Campbell of Baddeck, NS bred and owns the gelding who won for the ninth time in his career. The $7,500 payday more than doubled his lifetime earnings.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.