Finding the winner’s circle in back-to-back races at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Ardens Ace N driven and trained by LeWayne Miller, won a thriller in the $30,555 Open Handicap Pace on Friday, April 3.
Assigned post eight, Ardens Ace N started fighting along the outside from third while the post time favourite Buzzsaw Russ (John De Long) and Charlie May (Brandon Bates) battled for early control. Tripping the timer in :26.4, Charlie May forged ahead before being challenged by Ardens Ace N, who was unable to clear.
Moving three-wide in the backstretch, Buzzsaw Russ swept past the duelling leaders to grab the command before reaching the half in :55. With Buzzsaw Russ moving towards the pylons, Ardens Ace N continued the fight on the outside, parked and pressing onto the final turn. Meeting the three-quarter pole in 1:22.4, Buzzsaw Russ narrowly led Ardens Ace N with Charlie May stalking from the pocket awaiting racing room.
Ardens Ace N continued to pursue Buzzsaw Russ on the outside turning for home while Charlie May sought to split the duelling leaders. Battling neck and neck while moving closer to the wire, the lead trio raced three-wide in deep stretch with Buzzsaw Russ at the rail, Ardens Ace N on the outside and Charlie May sandwiched between the pacers. Charging relentlessly in :27.3 in the stretch to stop the timer 1:50.3, Ardens Ace N would not be denied winning the Open in consecutive starts parked every step of the way. Charlie May rallied between rivals for second a quarter-length, back while Buzzsaw Russ settled for third just a half-length back.
With his third win and sixth top-two finish in seven seasonal starts, Ardens Ace N boosted his lifetime earnings to $379,716. The nine-year-old Art Major-Venus Serena gelding is owned by Kap Singh Racing Stable of Yorktown Heights, New York, Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken, Ont., Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont., and Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I.
Ardens Ace N paid $10.80 to win as the 4-1 third wagering choice.
Live harness racing at Hoosier Park continue on Wednesday, April 8 with a 5:30 p.m. post time.
(With files from Hoosier Park)