The harness racing card at Running Aces Saturday, May 26 featured the showdown between reigning king of Minnesota trotting Banker Volo and king of California trotting Pridecrest, with Banker Volo emerging victorious in this round in the $11,000 Open Handicap.
Pridecrest took more action at the windows, going off as the favourite at 4-5, over Banker Volo at 6-5. When the gate sprung open and pulled away, Banker Volo (Nick Roland) charged hardest of all, quickly securing the lead. Pridecrest was unhurried in the early stages, floating away fifth through the early fractions of :28.2 and staying put through a half in :58.2.
Pridecrest launched a first-over attack just past the half-mile pole, sprinting to second position but never quite drawing alongside Banker Volo, who began to accelerate around the final turn. Silverlode enjoyed a sweet pocket trip behind Banker Volo and came charging late to make for a thrilling finish. Banker Volo fought gamely to the wire to secure victory, successfully defending his legacy as the top trotter in track history.
The timer stopped in 1:55.1, with Silverlode coming just a head short on the line. Banker Volo, paying $4.40, is a nine-year-old stallion by Yankee Glide, and he is owned by Jeralene Roland and trained by Jenni King, and has now won 33 races and $365,898 lifetime.
The $10,200 three-year-old Minnesota-Sired “A” Pace went to Peekaboo Tattoo, a filly by Up Front Brad who had raced only one time as a two-year-old before campaigning in California this year and picking up four wins in 12 starts there.
Giggle Monster made a quarter-pole move to take control of affairs after a slow opening panel of :30 and the sharp gelding by Wind Me Up led through middle panels of 1:00.2 and 1:28.4. Peekabo Tattoo shook free from a three-hole journey to gun down Giggle Monster in the final strides, getting up to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.2 for a lifetime mark. The winner is owned by Fabiola Quevedo and trained by Edwin Quevedo. Driven by Steve Wiseman, he paid $9.80 to win.
Live Racing is back at Aces on Sunday, May 27, with first post at 6:00 p.m. (CDT). The carryover in the .20 cent Pick-5 wager is $577.67 and the .50 cent Hi-5 is $1,211.15.
(With files from Running Aces)