Trotters took centre stage on the July 3 program at Running Aces. B C Lulu triumphed for the third time in five tries since shipping to Minnesota, but the win was his first in the $8,500 Open.
James Ruhl's five-year-old gelding, trained by brother Paul, was a $6,000 claimer when he arrived, but has taken a liking to the local five-eighths mile oval and his new surroundings. Driver Jason Ryan worked out a two-hole trip before B C Lulu flashed a :28.4 final panel to upset Hitithard (driven by Luke Plano) and K D Amazing Spirit (Rick Magee) in 1:57. B C Lulu was sent off at post-time odds of 14-1.
Winners of a pair of $6,000 conditioned trots for non-winners of $4,000 in their last five starts actually managed quicker clockings. Heartsaregonnaroll, a four-year-old Hard Rock N Roll mare owned by Francis Kayden, set a track record for her age, sex and gait with a convincing 1:56.1 tally in the first split. Trainer Don Sherman made a rare sulky-sitting appearance and also worked out a winning pocket trip to best Silence Son (Craig Banks) and R As Shakenbake (Nick Roland).
Shelby County -- who won seven times at Running Aces in 2012 but had struggled somewhat since -- regained her form with a 1:56.3 score over Macks Molly Hall (Nick Roland) and Sher To Be (James Yoder). Driver-trainer Rocky Stidham shares ownership of the winner who was parked outside her entire mile with Ben Kenney. It was the 27th career victory in 105 lifetime tries for the daughter of Chip Chip Hooray.
Racing will resume at Running Aces with weekend programs on Saturday and Sunday with 7:00 p.m. first-race post times.
(Running Aces)