War Machine and driver Mooney Svendsen pulled off a 32-1 upset in the $20,205 Open Handicap Pace topping a bulky field of 10 in 1:50 by 4-1/2 lengths.
Last week’s Open winner Hezzz A Wise Sky (Dean Magee) was the talk of the toteboard at 3-5 while Speaking Volumes (Rick Magee) had plenty of support as the 5-2 second choice.
Im A Skoldier (Josiah Miller) left fast from the inside draw to grab the early lead while Speaking Volumes charged alertly from post six and Hezzz A Wise Sky surged from post nine to also try for the top. Im A Skoldier had the call at the :26.2 quarter-mile while Speaking Volumes landed in the pocket and Hezzz A Wise Sky marched toward the front to subsequently take over the lead just after the three-eighths marker and was on top as they recorded the half-mile in :54.2.
War Machine, who initially got away fifth, launched a strong first-over bid down the backside for Svendsen and drew on even terms with the leader as they headed into the far turn. He took the lead and opened up as they passed the three-quarters in 1:22.
War Machine continued to pace strong in the lane while Hezzz A Wise sky began to feel the effects of the hot early fractions. Speaking Volumes emerged from the pocket with pace to secure second and Alilthundadownunda rallied late from a ground-saving trip to pick up the pieces in third.
War Machine's winning time of 1:50 stands as the fastest mile of the Aces season so far and a new career mark.
War Machine is a four-year-old son of Sweet Lou and Bolt Of Thunder, trained by Brett Ballinger and owned by Heart And Soul Racing and Jim Ballinger. He now has five wins this year from 15 starts and 12 career wins with total earnings of $166,273.
A $2 win bet on War Machine paid $66.80.
The Tuesday night leaders included drivers Mooney Svendsen, Nick Roland and Dean Magee and trainer Brett Ballinger, all with doubles on the card.
Live harness racing returns to Running Aces for a 10-race program on Thursday, July 3 that will feature a trio of carryovers, including $1,732.43 for the Early Pick-4 starting in race two, $1,175.43 for the Early Pick-3 starting in race three and $894.47 for the Hi-5 wager in race four. First post is set for 6 p.m. (CDT).
(With files from Running Aces)