On Sunday (July 21), Running Aces featured the main event of its Dan Patch Weekend, the $50,000 Dan Patch FFA Pace, which was sponsored by Watch And Wager.

Nine Ways, who won Running Aces’ Dan Patch FFA Pace in 2018, turned in another exhilarating performance in the 2019 edition of the track’s signature race, as he rocketed past pacesetter Rockin Speed in the homestretch to record the fastest mile ever at Running Aces. Nine Ways stopped the timer in 1:50.2, which lowered the track mark for the second consecutive week and extended the gelding’s unbeaten streak to six.

Running Aces’ leading driver Dean Magee got Nine Ways away from the gate quickly, and was able to secure the second position on the rail. Rockin Speed, with driver Travis Seekman, surged from Post 6 right to the lead and posted a fast opening quarter of :26.2. Rockin Speed was then hounded by Ideal Ace and driver Stephen White, who applied heavy pressure to the leader throughout the middle stages of the race (:54.2 and 1:21.4).

Rockin Speed spurned the challenge of Ideal Ace and Nine Ways emerged from the pocket position with plenty of pace. Firedrake and driver Nick Roland had shaken free from third at the rail at that point and were charging hard late. Nine Ways got home first for the track record mile and his second consecutive Dan Patch victory. His winning margin was one and three-quarter lengths.

Nine Ways and driver Dean Magee pull away late to win Running Aces’ 2019 Dan Patch FFA Pace.

Nine Ways is a five-year-old son of Delmarvalous. He has now notched 24 lifetime wins and earnings of $269,906. Nine Ways is owned by Antonia Storer and trained by Tim Maier. Nine Ways paid $4.40 for every $2.00 Win ticket.

Drivers Dean Magee, Nick Roland and Rick Magee all turned in doubles on the Dan Patch program, which produced a new record handle for Running Aces of $371,635.

(With files from Running Aces)