Stable Eyes ($4.00) captured the $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace during the Tuesday night (July 11) live card at Running Aces, as she delivered as the public’s even-money choice for her first local win.
Trainer/driver Luke Plano was aggressive with Stable Eyes, as he sent her right to the lead from Post 7 in the eight-horse field. The duo cut the fractions in :28.1, :57.2 and 1:25 and completed the victory by stopping the clock at 1:52.3, one and three-quarter lengths ahead of her closest rival. The impressive nine-year-old mare is by Million Dollar Cam and is owned by Tim Clevenger. She has now won 37 races and bankrolled $207,661 lifetime.
Stable Eyes, pictured victorious with trainer/driver Luke Plano (Photo courtesy Dee Leftwich)
Firedrake ($3.20) was fantastic again while posting his sixth consecutive victory in a $6,500 conditioned pacing event with trainer/driver Nick Roland in the bike. Firedrake dominated again with a gate-to-wire score in 1:54.1 to make it seven wins in eight starts this season. He has actually crossed the wire first in each and every race this year, but suffered a disqualification earlier in the meet. The ultra-impressive four-year-old gelding by Dragon Again is owned by Jessica Johnson and has now won 13 of 23 lifetime races.
The $13,000 Minnesota-sired two-year-old trotting event was won by Bragginade ($3.60), a gelding by Braggart, for owners Set The Pace Racing. Trainer/driver Nick Roland sent his charge first over past the three-eighths marker and took the lead just after the half mile post. He held off a late challenge from the early race leader, SB Fine And Dandy (James Yoder). Bragginade held gamely to the wire, and established a lifetime mark of 2:03.3 in what was his first lifetime win.
The $13,000 Minnesota-sired two-year-old pacing event was won by Giggle Monster ($2.20) in 1:56.1, who remains perfect in after three lifetime races for owners Alan and Cheryl Sandbulte, trainer Denise Maier and driver Dean Magee. The impressive youngster is a gelding by Wind Me Up.
The $10,000 Open Pace was won by SF Donttellonme ($3.80) for his second local win and third overall victory of the season. In winning, he posted a new lifetime mark of 1:52.1 for owner/trainer/driver Joe Casagranda. The sharp seven-year-old gelding is by Cam Terrific and has now earned $162,070 lifetime.
Leading driver Nick Roland added another grand slam to his resume on Tuesday, while Luke Plano and Joe Casagranda both accomplishing driving doubles on the card.
The 20-cent Jackpot Pick 5 carryover now sits at $9,384.91 and will highlight the wagering menu for this Saturday night (July 15), which will feature first post at 6:00 p.m. (CT).
(Running Aces)