A newcomer trotted into Minnesota on Wednesday night and quickly gained everyone's attention with a 1:56.4 triumph in Running Aces' $9,000 Open Trot.
Trot Fudge Sundae, a four-year-old daughter of American Native who had been toiling at both Balmoral Park and Hoosier Park, was the only mare in the distinguished field of classy square-gaiters and she quickly showed her heels to the field of geldings, who watched her sweep from fourth in the early going to a three-quarter length victory over Sharpshootennorris (Steve Wiseman) and Franky Provolone (Jason Ryan).
New trainer Rick Magee was also the sulky-sitter for Trot Fudge Sundae's 19th career win in just 42 starts, increasing her earnings to $313,517 for partners James Bafia, Eugene White and the Dirk Simpson Stable, who got an immediate reward for sensing a change of scenery to Minnesota would do the mare some good.
The win was one of two on the program for Magee, who also guided KDK Bellagio to a narrow neck victory over Sgt Charlie (Ryan) and Emery Vern (Tim Maier). The win was the fourth consecutive for the 12-year-old gelding owned by K C Carvalho and trained by Tim Brown -- the last three in $4,500 claiming company.
The most thrilling race of the night came in the nightcap, however, when a full field of nine $3,500 claimers finished within four lengths at the wire, eight of them within 2-1/4 lengths. The photo finish camera determined that Haroun Hanover (Ryan) had edged Johnny Walker (Rob Dinning) and Hiho Legacy (Wiseman) to complete a $196.20 trifecta.
(Running Aces)