By Darin Gagne, for Running Aces May 30, 2022
The Sunday night (May 29) harness racing program at Running Aces was loaded with exciting trotting races, including the weekly open handicap and two divisions of the Minnesota-sired sophomores. The races were contested over a fast track and in front of a very large and enthusiastic crowd.
The $16,500 Open went to Mandeville and driver Luke Plano for the second straight week. The 10-year-old by Majestic Son established control early from post five and gamely fought off a mid-race challenge from Mind Yown Business (Dean Magee) with All American (Williams Hernandez) watching the battle from the pocket. Mandeville ($5.60) remained strong in the lane and held by a half-length at the wire over All American, with Mind Yown Business a close third in a 1:55.1 mile. The winner is owned and trained by Gerald Longo.
Scroll On By took the $19,800 ‘A’ division of the sophomore trot in a new career best time of 1:58.3 with Tony Kerwood in the sulky. They got away third from the inside post and made an early move to the lead, before facing heavy pressure from Poko Loki (James Lackey) with stablemate Vickie’s Vacation in the pocket. Poko Loki had a mid-stretch lead but Scroll On By ($7.80) surged up the inside late to score the win, while Vickie’s Vacation (Plano) rallied on the outside to take second over Poko Loki. The winner is owned by Kennedy Roland and is trained by Dan Roland. The top two finishers are both fillies by Banker Volo.
The $13,800 ‘B’ division went to Chip Talks ($7.60), who scored his first career win in 2:01 after a good battle with Ice Master (Elvin Zimmerman). Wilamar Spark (Dean Magee) was home third in her career debut. Brady Jenson was in the sulky for the win for owners Scott and James Bannit. The winner is a gelded son of Money Talks. Driver Dean Magee lead the program with a Hat-Trick performance, and Gerald Longo posted a training double.
Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday (May 31) with first post at 7:00 pm (CDT) and will feature a $9,738.57 carryover in the Pick-5 Jackpot wager.
