Running Aces featured the debut of two-year-olds in the Minnesota-sired program on Tuesday, June 28, and Zachariahs Honor ($4.80), a colt by Hot Pans, established a new track record.
Zachariahs Honor’s new track record of 1:59 came in the opening $7,000 race for owner/trainer/driver Royal Roland (the colt is also co-owned by Barbara Roland). Zachariahs Honor was sharp off the gate and lead at every call. He bravely held off a furious charge from the pocket-sitter, DeweyDidDoneGood (driven by Dean Magee).
The $14,000 two-year-old trot was won by Money Talks filly Silent Dreams, who was the lone female in the field. She prevailed over the boys in 2:08 after very soft fractions of :33.1, 1:06.2 and 1:37.4. She trotted home in :30.1 and paid $3.60 to win. Silent Dreams is owned by Glen and Jodi Wilson; is trained by Brett Ballinger, and was driven to victory by Dean Magee
The second $7,000 division of two-year-old pacers was won by Voracious Hanover gelding Okee Dokee, who got the job done in 1:59.3 for Driver Rick Magee. The gelding propelled off a perfect pocket ride, and drew away in the homestretch for trainer David Flynn and owners The Van Oterloo Stables. Okee Dokee paid $7.80 to win.
The $11,000 Fillies & Mares Open saw an east coast invader, Carlota Blue Chip (driven by Tim Maier), set all the early pace (:28, :57.4, 1:26.1). Although it was Flick A Fly (Rick Magee) who benefitted from a pocket trip and charged home to win for the second straight week. The margin of victory was one length and the win time was 1:54.3. Race favourite Party Hangover Two (Steve Wiseman) surged late and finished second, while the pacesetter held for third.
Flick a Fly is owned by The Van Oterloo Stables and is trained by David Flynn. The trainer/owner connection had a huge night, as it won three races. Rick Magee and James ‘Chip’ Lackey both had driving doubles on the Tuesday program.
Running Aces’ next live card will head to post this Saturday night (July 2) at 6:00 p.m. (CDT).
(With files from Running Aces)