The featured event on Sunday, July 30 at Running Aces was the $11,000 Horses & Geldings Open Handicap Pace, and it was loaded with a field of eight talented contenders. None in the field had ever displayed more talent or heart than the race headliner and favourite Roland N Rock, who reminded and doubters of exactly who is king of the Running Aces pacing department.
Roland N Rock ($3.60) floated away in sixth from Post 7 with driver Luke Plano aboard. He got rolling first-over well before the half, and swept quickly to the lead just at the midway point in the affair. Shortly after having settled on top, the outer flow of horses came raging on the outside. SF Donttellonme (driven by Joe Casagranda) swept right by ‘Rocky’ for the lead and opened up almost four full lengths around the final turn.
Rocky was down, but not out. As they straightened away for home, Rocky decided it was his race and nobody was going to beat him. He stepped on the gas one more time and accelerated right past SF Donttellonme to score his 11th win in what was his 23 start this year. The triumph was the 49th of his career. The mile was clocked in 1:51.3.
The local superstar is a five-year-old gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover that has now earned $489,857 for owners Duane and Connie Roland. Duane Roland does the training while Rocky is home. He is expected to be heading back to his winter stomping grounds at Yonkers Raceway in a few months.
Also on the card, the $13,000 Minnesota-Sired Three-Year-Old Trot was won by Liquorskwikker and driver James ‘JD’ Yoder, who had three driving wins on the card. Dean Magee and Luke Plano both picked up driving doubles as well.
Live racing will return to Running Aces on Tuesday. First post will be at 7:00 p.m. (CDT). There will be a carryover in the 20-cent Jackpot Pick-5 wager of $21,817.41.
(With files from Running Aces)