The top level Open pacers were in the spotlight at Running Aces on Tuesday evening (Sept. 5) and the $17,600 featured handicap pace went to post with a talented field of nine competitors.

The two outside horses were fastest off the car, as Caliber (Luke Plano) from post eight and last week’s winner American Dreamer (Todd Warren) from post nine traded turns on the lead while Maui (James Lackey) settled away in third from the inside draw through the opening panel in :27. The top three remained that way through the middle fractions of :55 and 1:22.4 while race favourite Macs Marvel (Brady Jenson) began a first-over grind from mid-pack and was joined by Topville Rocknluck (Nick Roland) as they headed for the far turn.

Rounding into the homestretch, Macs Marvel began to draw on even terms with the leader and Roland tipped Topville Rocknluck wide for the stretch drive and was loaded with pace. Macs Marvel forged to a short lead near the wire but Topville Rocknluck was too strong in the final strides and got up by a half a length to record a career-best win in 1:51.4 over Macs Marvel. Caliber just nosed out American Dreamer for third money in a close photo.

Topville Rocknluck (Luck Be Withyou-Rock Me Mama) was dismissed in the win pool at 47-1 and returned a hefty $96.20 for every $2 win ticket. The four-year-old is owned by Wilson Racing Stable and Ann Calvert, and is trained by Tim Wilson Jr. along with assistant Jenni De Menge. The victory also pushed his career earnings past the $100,000 mark.

DP Freedoms Chrome remains undefeated after another impressive win in the $22,000 Minnesota-sired freshman ‘A’ trot with a track record mile in 1:59.1 by 2-3/4 lengths over Bankers Quest and Insurrectionist.

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Driver James Gould wasted no time in getting the star colt to the front of the affair, taking the lead from Bankers Quest (Mooney Svendsen) just after the :29.2 quarter-mile before leading comfortably and registering middle fractions of 1:00.1 and 1:30 .1. The son of For You Almostfree-Wannabee Loved turned up the speed for the final quarter (:29) and was never in doubt, coasting home to lower his own track record for freshman trotting colts and delivering as the 1-2 favourite.

The winner is now a perfect nine-for-nine lifetime for owner Aimes Racing and trainer Elvin Zimmerman.

Magnolia Moonlight (Lackey, $3) dominated the $14,500 freshman ‘B’ trot event with a 3-1/4-length tally in a career-best 2:01.3 over longshot Adira Disa (Jenson) and Magical Zamboni (Plano) for her second career win in four starts for owner, trainer and breeder Jenni King.

Drivers Nick Roland and Brady Jenson led the Tuesday program with two wins each.

Live racing returns to Running Aces on Thursday, Sept. 7 for a nine-race program that will feature a pair of carryovers: $2,544.21 for the 50-cent Early Pick-4 wager starting in race two and $1,720.89 for the 50-cent Hi-5 in race four. There is also a $3,000 guarantee for the 50-cent Late Pick-4 starting in race six. First post at Running Aces is 7 p.m. (CDT).

(Running Aces)