Leading from the jump, Ardens Ace N, trained and driven by the red-hot LeWayne Miller, claimed the $30,137 Open Handicap Pace on Friday, March 27 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Riding the wind out of the gate in post seven, Ardens Ace N and Miller swiftly moved past Yourwishisgranted (Atlee Bender) to reach the quarter first in :26.4. The field of eight raced single file with Ardens Ace N maintaining his position in front on the backstretch to the half in :56.1. Entering the final turn, favourite Golden Bay N (Trace Tetrick) went on the offensive first-over from fourth, gliding past Yourwishisgranted to challenge the leader at three-quarters in 1:24.4 with Downbytheocean (Jordan Ross) in tow second-over.
Fending off Golden Bay N, Ardens Ace N found another gear powering down the homestretch in :26.3 to breach the wire two lengths clear in 1:51.2. Golden Bay N settled for second with Downbytheocean rallying for third over Yourwishisgranted.

Ardens Ace N, a nine-year-old Art Major-Venus Serena gelding, followed four runner-up finishes to record his second win in seven starts this year since arriving in North America for the ownership group of Kap Singh Racing Stable of Yorktown Heights, New York, Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken, Ont., Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont., and Donald MacRae, Vernon Bridge, P.E.I.

Ardens Ace N paid 9.60 to win.

The win in the ninth race feature was the second of five on the night for Miller, who dominated the second half of the 14-race program. Miller had wins driving two more of his own trainees, K Lyn ($4.80) and Nighthawk Zette ($3). He also steered home Tellmeaboutit ($11.20) for trainer Alvin Miller and Er Rambo ($4) for trainer Don Eash.

Beginning in April, Hoosier Park will add Wednesdays to its live racing calendar with a 5:30 p.m. post time. Meanwhile, the Indiana oval will continue to host racing on Thursdays and Fridays as scheduled alongside the inclusion of Wednesday nights. 

(With files from Hoosier Park)