Al Mar Passion, who owner-trainer-driver Rick Magee calls "the best trotter I've ever sat behind", cruised to a 2:01.2 triumph on Tuesday night at Running Aces.

Magee clicked with Al Mar Passion, who defeated Chewy Dunkerton (Steve Wiseman) and Shes A Foxie Lady (John DeLong) in the $13,500 state-restricted two-year-old trot which was the final prep for the freshman squaregaiters before the August 31 Minnesota State Championships Night when 11 different $20,000 races will be contested to determine Gopher State champions in each age, sex and gait division.

Six Gun regained his winning ways in a $9,900 Open Pace scoring in 1:52.1, his fourth score at Running Aces this summer, including an all-time all-age track record of 1:50.4 on July 16th.

Jason ‘Ricky Bobby’ Ryan, who just returned to Minnesota after a week on Prince Edward Island (where he finished third in the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer), trains and drives the gray gelding for owner Anthony Artuso. Armbro David (DeLong) was a fast-closing second with Steuben Jumpinjack (Wiseman) completing the trifecta.

The ultra-consistent Show Runner, the unquestioned queen of Running Aces despite being only three years old, bested the older mare pacers again in an $8,925 Fillies and Mares Open. Trainer/driver Tim Maier made a bold move to the front nearing the half and maintained an open lengths margin the rest of the way until stopping the teletimer in 1:52.3. Passion R Virginie (Ryan) and Still Electric (DeLong) were second and third.

Show Runner now owns a 7-3-1 record from 11 local appearances in Minnesota for owners Denise Maier and Eileen Brodbar.

(Running Aces)