Ex-Kiwis feature on rich International Trot card

While Canada’s Lexus Kody took top honors in the $1 million Yonkers International Trot, a New Zealand-bred pacer and trotter more than held their own in the harness racing spotlight.

Both Louies Girl N (Lord Forbes) and Mazzepa N (Love You) showed they belong on the North American stage—giving trainer Per Engblom a memorable International Trot Day double with his new imports

In her first American start, Louies Girl N  delivered a textbook pocket trip and exploded up the pylons to take her division in a sharp 1:53.3 mile.

Racing smartly from post position two, driver Jason Bartlett tucked Louies Girl N behind the early leader and waited patiently until the stretch. When the gap opened late in the stratch, the speedy mare surged through with authority to score comfortably.

It was a perfect stateside unveiling for the well-traveled pacer, who notched seven career wins in New Zealand before being exported.

LOUIES GIRL REPLAY

If Louies Girl N was all class and polish, Mazzepa N was sheer drama. Making just his second start on U.S. soil—and first for trainer Per Engblom—the talented but occasionally erratic trotter put in an unforgettable performance that left fans buzzing.

After breaking stride shortly after the start, Mazzepa N dropped to the rear of the field and looked to be completely out of contention. But as the field straightened for home, driver Tyler Buter angled the 8-year-old gelding out widest of all—and the Love You son rocketed down the outside of the track under a hold to nail the leaders easily in what was a huge run.

The eye-catching finish prompted a brief inquiry due to the early miscue, but the result stood, giving the Kiwi trotter his first North American victory and 14th career win overall.

MAZEPPA N REPLAY

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Harnesslink Media