Trainer Kathie-Plested Wiseman had Oneida Blue Chip well prepared for the Harness Racing feature race at Running Aces on Thursday. The seven-year-old daughter of American Ideal was making her first local start and first start with her new connections in the $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace.
Driver Lemoyne “Mooney” Svendsen sent her right to the lead from post five in the six horse affair, and never looked back through fractions of :27.2 and :57.2 before kicking into high gear with a :56 final half mile to draw away at every call and check in 4-1/4 lengths ahead of her rivals in 1:53.1 for her third win in twelve outings on the season.
Race favourite Rockin With Lou (Gerald Longo, 3-5) picked up the pieces for second, while longshot Prom Queen (Dean Magee, 14-1) checked in third. The winner was a recent purchase for owner Barbara Arnstine. Oneida Blue Chip paid $8.60 to win.
The Thursday program also featured the three-year old Open pace, going for $6,500 with a field of six sophomores facing the starter. Trainer/driver Nick Roland sent his gelded son of Malak Uswaad N straight to the lead from post two as the 5-2 second choice, while even money favourite Ice House (Brady Jenson) enjoyed the pocket trip. SD Watchmenow (Brian Detgen, 8-1) got away third and was first to tip wide to challenge the leader. Roland was able to orchestrate a second quarter breather of :30.1 (:28.2, :58.3) for Alilthundadownunda, which may have been the deciding factor in the race. By keeping his horse fully-charged for the final half, they were able to power home in :56.2 to easily turn back all challenges. SD Watchmenow was 1-1/2 lengths behind at the wire, while Ice House was third best in the 1:55 mile.
It was one of two wins on the night for owners Set The Pace Racing, and it was the sixth career tally for the Minnesota-Sired Alilthundadownunda ($7.60), who registered a sharp final quarter of :27.4 for his second consecutive race.
Driver Mooney Svendsen led the Thursday program with three winners, while Nick Roland scored his third driving double in a row and notched a training double at the same time.
Live Racing is offered at Running Aces every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night , with first post at 6:05 p.m.
(Running Aces)