The first freshman pari-mutuel event of the season went postward on the Tuesday night (June 29) program at Running Aces, with a field of seven trotters facing the starter for the $7,100 2-year-old open event.
Chip Talks was fastest of all from the outside post and took the early lead, while Toast The Host got away sharply from post 3 to drop in the pocket early as they registered a :31.2 opening quarter. Mintun wasted no time in getting his horse to the front of the field, going around the leader just past the quarter pole to take control of affairs and enjoy a comfortable lead through middle fractions of 1:02.3 and 1:32.2 as Chip Talks tried hard to keep tabs from second. Toast The Host posted a sharp final quarter of :29.4 to draw away by 2 3/4 lengths at the finish in 2:02.1 for her first pari-mutuel win.
Chip Talks was a solid second and Vickies Vacation was third throughout. The winning filly is a daughter of My MVP and is also trained by driver Mark Mintun, who co-owns with Stephanie Gould. She paid $10.20 to win.
Hoo Nien A posted a sharp first-over grinding win in the $12,000 Open Pace on Tuesday night, getting a head in front at the wire in 1:54.1 in a thrilling four-horse photo finish.
Starting from post 2 in the seven horse contest, Longo got away fourth as Major Pocket A made the pace and Apex Seelster sat the pocket. Longo got rolling with Hoo Nien A just past the three-eighths marker and pressured the leader all the way around the track. The two Australian imports were on even terms as they straightened for home, while Apex Seelster and Elusive Image were both surging late. Hoo Nien A was able to pull off the victory for his fourth win of the year and his 29th tally overall. He has now earned $216,714. The 9-year-old Always A Virgin gelding is also owned and trained by driver Gerald Longo and paid $26.40 to win..
The 9-year-old pacing gelding Castle Flight posted the fastest winning mile of the evening with a half-length tally over Zanetti in 1:53.1 to register his 34th win and push his career bankroll over the $350,000 mark. The victory came in a $8,200 conditioned event where Castle Flight led from the start and held off a late rally from the runner-up. The winning owner is Bill Dessert and driver Nick Roland is also the trainer. He paid $3.00 to win.
Drivers Brady Jenson and Nick Roland both completed doubles on the card, while Roland led all trainers with three winners on the program.
Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Thursday (July 1) with first post at 6:05 p.m. (CDT) and will feature a carryover of $26,967.37 in the Pick-5 Jackpot wager.
(Running Aces)