Mystra leads Red Mile speed parade

The 133-year old historic clay oval, known as The Red Mile, was lightning fast on Thursday night, producing an astonishing 10 lifetime marks on the 14-race card. The speed figures were inevitably linked to the fact that many young horses were competing, but are also a testament to the outstanding job done by track superintendent Terry Baker and his crew. 

The fastest mile of the night was turned by Mystra, a 3-year old Art Major filly, in the seventh race, a $6,000 late-closing event for filly and mare pacers. Mystra was perfectly positioned out off the gate by driver Jim Foley behind the heavy 3-5 favorite I’m A Native Two and Dan Shetler. Foley was able to cash in the pocket trip for a :26 flat last quarter and was able to clear the favorite in deep stretch to win by just over a length in a lifetime-best 1:52.2.  I’m A Native Two gamely fought to hold the place spot, while Jeff Nisonger and Lavish Lulu were able to maintain the show. Mystra returned $10.40 for the victory, and is trained by Peter Foley for lessee Lynne Foley.

Jim Foley was back in the bike for another victory in the 10th race, a $6,000 late-closing event for colt and gelding pacers. It was another perfectly positioned trip, this time second-over, that had Foley’s charge, Star Trek Hall, sprinting by the competition down the lane to win by two lengths in 1:54.2.  Star Trek Hall is a gelded son of Cambest trained by Peter Foley for the All Star Racing Inc., of Towaco, N.J.  

Jim Foley recently relocated from Sacramento to Lexington in order to further pursue a driving career and to begin working more closely with his father, Peter, on the day-to-day operations of the family stable. However, before leaving California, Jim had began to establish himself as one of the top up and coming drivers on the highly competitive Cal-Expo circuit, as he held an average of right around the .300 level.

Jim says that he really likes Kentucky, and has no plans of moving back anytime soon “due to the uncertain future of harness racing in California.” He also said that he is hopeful to continue picking up a few catch-drives as The Red Mile meet moves forward.  If the first couple of years of his career are any indication, one would have to assume Jim Foley is looking ahead to a bright future in the race bike. (Red Mile)

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