The Thursday night (June 10) program at Running Aces featured a $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace, with a solid field of seven distaffers facing the gate.
The 8-5 public choice was Rojo Calienete (Tony Kerwood), who was stepping up to the top level with a three-race win streak on the line. Anna B (Brady Jenson) was the clear second choice in the win pool at 9-5, and was fastest away from the car to quickly take command and open up by 2-1/2 lengths while posting a quick :27.2 opening quarter. Hottieonthehorizon (Nick Roland) got away in the pocket and stalked the leader through the solid middle panels of :56.1 and 1:23.4 while Rojo Caliente tried a first-over attack but could not reach even terms with the leader. Anna B was still looking strong on the lead as they made the swing for home, but Roland quickly got Hottieonthehorizon rolling up the inside in mid-stretch and Jenson kept Anna B to her task. The two mares surged to the wire together in a thrilling finish and a 1:52.1 mile. The photo finish camera could not separate the two on the line, and they were 1-1/4 lengths ahead of Rojo Caliente in third.
Hottieonthehorizon ($8.20) is also trained by Roland and is owned by Leslie Goldlien and Rick Lancaster. Anna B ($3.40) is also owned and trained by Jenson. The 1:52.1 clocking was a new career mark for both mares.
SD Watchmenow (Brian Detgen) scored a gate-to-wire tally in the $6,500 three-year-old open pace, taking a new career mark in 1:56.1 with a half-length win over Playthehandurdealt (Jacob Cutting). The winner is a Minnesota-sired sophomore gelding by Wind Me Up, he is also trained by Detgen, who co-owns with Sarah Solheid.
Drivers Rick Magee, Brian Detgen and Brady Jenson all registered doubles on the Thursday card and Jenson also completed a training double.
Live racing returns to Running Aces on Sunday (June 13) with first post at 6:05 p.m. (CDT) and a $14,997.66 Jackpot Pick-5 carryover.
(Running Aces)