A Record-Setting Win Helps Mack Lobell Close In on Top Harness Horse Honors

Mack Lobell virtually clinched 1987 Harness Horse of the Year and Trotter of the Year honors with a world record-setting victory in the $442,662 Breeders Crown Trot for 3-year-old colts Friday night at Pompano Park.

Mack Lobell, the 1-5 favorite with driver John Campbell, took the lead at the start, was never threatened and drew away down the stretch to win by 12 3/4 lengths over arch-rival Napoletano in 1:54 1/5, the fastest mile ever by a trotter on a five-eighths-mile track, shattering the mark of 1:55 set by 4-year-old Express Ride last September in Chicago.

Mack Lobell, whose bid to become the first trotter since 1972 to win the Triple Crown was ruined by Napoletano in the Kentucky Futurity in October, evened his record against Napoletano at three wins apiece in six meetings this year. Napoletano, the 5-2 second choice, made a break down the backside the final time and rallied to finish second.

In the $424,998 Breeders Crown Pace for 3-year-old colts, Call For Rain and driver Clint Galbraith caught pace-setting Run The Table in the final stride to win by a head in 1:53.