Shadowfax turned in one of the most impressive performances of the Sunday (July 31) program at Running Aces to make it two wins in a row in the $16,500 top group of Minnesota-sired sophomore trotters.
The son of Tamarind got away fifth from post 3 and driver Brian Detgen was content to sit back while Vickies Vacation and CR Promise To You traded turns on the lead while posting sensible early fractions of :29 and :58.2. Poko Loki got rolling with a first-over bid down the backside and Detgen picked up the cover with Shadowfax as they rounded the far turn.
Turning for home, the leader was under heavy pressure from Poko Loki and Shadowfax tipped wide with a strong late charge to get up by a head in dramatic fashion over CR Promise To You with Poko Loki holding third.
The final time of 1:57.1 is a career mark for Shadowfax, who was bred by Lesa Peters and is owned by Set The Pace Racing and trained by Jessica Johnson. He paid $29 to win.
The $9,900 "B" division of the sophomore trot went to Scroll On By, who delivered a gate-to-wire performance to hold on by a head as the 3-5 favourite with Tony Kerwood in the sulky. Ice Master came up just short at the wire to be second best in the 2:00.3 mile while Need More Cowbell was well back in third.
The winner, a son of Banker Volo, is owned by Kennedy Roland.
The $6,600 "C" division went to Calico Creek who posted a successful front-running effort in 2:01.4 over TA Woody AZ and Al-Mar Foxy Bragen.
Calico Creek ($4.20) is owned and trained by Jenni King. Mooney Svendsen piloted the $4.20 winner.
The $16,500 Open Handicap Trot went to Silverhill Volo, who was placed as the winner after All American N was disqualified and placed fifth for interference.
Silverhill Volo had a pocket-sitting trip in the 1:58.3 mile over a "sloppy" track. Bordogna rallied for third and was placed second, while Pridecrest closed from the back of the pack to get fourth and was subsequently placed third.
Silverhill Volo is an 11-year-old son of Muscle Hill, he is owned, trained and driven by James Lackey and he now shows 36 career wins and earnings of $238,154. He paid $36.80 to win.
Live racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday (Aug. 2) and will feature a pair of carryovers, including $2,781.46 for the 50-cent Early Pick 4, and $2,491.25 for the 20-cent Pick-5 Jackpot wager. Tuesday night is also 'Dollar Night' at Running Aces and racing gets underway at 7 p.m. (CDT).
(Running Aces)