Silverlode tried for her seventh-consecutive victory entering the $15,000 Open Handicap at Running Aces on Sunday, May 26 but had her attempt foiled by second-choice Banker Volo, who surged to the lead late to claim victory in 1:55.
William Hernandez sent Muscle Ave and made the front from post six, just in time to register the first quarter in :27.4 with Banker Volo finding the pocket. Muscle Ave led the field all the way to the far turn, before Silverlode launched a sweeping move to the front and led into the lane. Banker Volo was raging with trot towards the inside and trotted fastest to the wire, getting a neck up in front of Silverlode at the finish. Bringoverthemoney, rallying wide late, picked up third, missing victory by just a half length.
Banker Volo is now owned by Lucas Roland and is trained by Jenni King. Tonight's victory was his first win of the season in just his third start. It was career win No. 37 for the current track record holder and former multiple-category record holder. At age 10, the stallion continues to be competitive at the top level, resuming a stellar racing campaign while also having entered a second career in the breeding shed. Nick Roland drove the $6.80 winner.
Also on Sunday's card was the $16,000 Minnesota-Sired Three-Year-Old Trot with a full field of nine lining up behind the gate. Last year's two-year-old male trotting champion MD Magic was sent as the heavy 1-2 public choice from post 2, with Deweys Machine getting some support at 5-1.
But the night would belong to another sophomore gelding: Ice Storm. Trotting away alertly from post 1, Ice Storm saved ground in third throughout and angled out willingly for driver Mooney Svendsen as the field turned for home. It was the second win for Ice Storm, a son of Ice Machine out of the mare Stormont Flambe, owned by Larry Jo Jenson and trained by Brady Jenson. The 1:59 mile was a career best for the $41.60 winner. Al Mar Humdinger was a very sharp second, with Dewey's Machine checking in third.
Dean Magee led the night with a driving double, while Brady Jenson sent out two winners to lead all trainers.
Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday, May 28 with first post at 7:00 p.m. (CDT).
(with files from Running Aces)