For the second straight week trainer-driver Jason Ryan swept both the Open Pace and the Fillies and Mares Open Pace on the Tuesday night program at Running Aces.
This week the feat was doubly impressive as Six Gun, a five-year-old gray gelding owned by Anthony Artuso, set the all-age, all-time track record of 1:50.4 in the $8,500 feature race.
The gate-to-wire stellar performance lowered the 1:51.2 mark established last season by Restless Yankee. Firstclassallthway (John DeLong) and Armbro David (Tim Maier) finished second and third in the elite six-horse field.
Ironically, Restless Yankee -- in just his fourth start back at Running Aces this season -- also won a $7,000 conditioned race on the same card in 1:53, which will likely set up a grudge match between the current and former track record holders in next Tuesday's Open.
In the top distaff race Passion R Virginie held off a late challenge by Show Runner (Tim Maier) and Blazing Fury (Rick Magee) to give Ryan his impressive driver-trainer double. The 1:53 clocking was a new lifetime best for the six-year-old mare that the 24-year-old reinsman also owns.
Live harness racing resumes Wednesday night at Running Aces with a 7:00 p.m. (CST) post time.
(story courtesy Running Aces; photo courtesy Dee Leftwich)