Makerbark makes new world mark

After withstanding pressure from Lightning Dragon through a shell-shocking :25.4 first quarter, Vicki Fair and Roger Hammer's Makerbark ($2.80) became the fastest 4-year-old pacing mare on a five-eighths mile track, drubbing the field by 10 1/4 lengths in a 1:49.2 mile on Monday evening at Harrah's Chester.

 

Under regular driver Yannick Gingras, the daughter of Dragon Again was insistent on making the early lead, forcing Lightning Dragon (Jonathan Roberts) to sit the pocket after the two reached the quarter together in :25.4.  After equally excruciating splits of :54.1 and 1:21.2, Makerbark still had enough in reserve to pull away from an understandably-fatigued Lightning Dragon, eventually widening her lead to the 10 1/4-length margin of victory. My Lady Bonnard (David Miller) rallied for second, while Lightning Dragon held third.

 

Monday night's card also saw $30,000 claimer Wildridge Sam ($4.40) take a 1:49.3 mark with George Napolitano Jr. in tow, and Lolique ($4) earned his fourth straight win in the featured $40,000 Open Handicap Trot, partnered with Tim Tetrick for a 1:52.4 victory--one tick off Railee Possible's track record of 1:52.3 for older trotting geldings. (Harrah's Chester)