Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Boulder Creek Wins Ben Franklin

July 22, 2007

The 7-year-old gelding Boulder Creek proved once again he is capable of beating younger rivals on a big stage, winning Sunday’s $300,000 Ben Franklin Pace at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack by a neck over favorite Lis Mara in a track record 1:48.3. With the triumph, the 35th of his illustrious career, Boulder Creek topped $3 million in lifetime earnings.

“For me, every start is special with him because he’s known as The Old Man of the group,” said Tammy Silva, who takes care of Boulder Creek for her husband, trainer Mark Silva. “Even when he wasn’t that old, they thought of him as old because he’s been around forever. I never get nervous racing him because he always tries hard, and if the trip works out, he’s there.

“Creek’s Creek. Every race is fun and special.”

The trip worked perfectly for Boulder Creek and driver Tim Tetrick in the Ben Franklin Pace. Boulder Creek followed Lis Mara, who raced first over much of the way, as leader Gold Dust Beach took the field through an opening quarter-mile of :26 seconds and a half of :53.2. Lis Mara moved from fourth to challenge for the top spot near the three-quarter mark, which was reached in 1:20.4, and Boulder Creek moved three wide to begin his sprint for home.

In the stretch, Lis Mara took control from Gold Dust Beach, but Boulder Creek kept gaining steadily, getting to the top in the final few strides for the victory. Lis Mara was second, followed by Took Hanover and Timesareachanging.

“I definitely wanted to follow Lis Mara if I got that opportunity; I thought he was the horse to beat,” said Tetrick. “Lis Mara is one of the fastest horses I’ve ever seen, but there are a lot of good horses here, and if they get the trip, they’ve got a shot at beating him. That’s what happened today.”

The 1:48.3 clocking equalled the World Record for aged pacing geldings over a five-eighths mile oval. He shares the record with Maltese Artist (2005 at Dover Downs) and Casimir Camotion (2006 at Dover Downs).

Trained by Mark Silva for New York partners Cliff Siegel, Lee Wasserman and John Fodera, Boulder Creek is now a 35-time winner with career earnings of $3,425,589.