World Record for Cinder Best in Lady Pace

By Tom White
9/13/03

Thomas Gerdeman and Elaine and Robert Lauf’s Cinder Best paced to a new world record for a five-year-old and older pacing mare on a half-mile track in capturing the $23,100 Lady Pace on Saturday afternoon (September 13) at the Delaware, Ohio Fair.

Dave Hawk was in the bike for trainer Seldon Ledford as Cinder Best crossed the wire in 1:52.2. eclipsing the old world record of 1:52.3 held by five older pacing mares (Pacific Flight N, Cohiba Mary, Windermere Girl N, Cleary Clout, and Cam’s Valentine).

For the six-year-old daughter of Cambest, the victory was her fifth in 16 season’s outings, improving her 2003 bankroll to $59,635 and taking her lifetime earnings over the $500,000 plateau.

Tupelo Rose N and driver Catello Manzi set the pace in this event, taking the field past the opening quarter in :26.2, the half in :54.2, and the three-quarters in 1:22.3. Cinder Best enjoyed the perfect trip in the pocket, then pulled out and challenged the leader on the final turn. Down the stretch it was a two horse race with Cinder Best ($9.80, 4.20, 2.80) pulling out a one length victory over Tupelo Rose N ($4.40, 2.80). Cam’s Valentine (who earned her share of the previous world mark earlier this year at Northfield Park) picked up the show check ($3.00) for driver Dan Ross, finishing three lengths behind the winner.