Scorecard Dandy captured the feature race of the night at Running Aces on Thursday (Aug. 10), delivering a sharp performance as the 3-5 favourite in the $16,600 Mares Open Handicap Pace.
The five-year-old daughter of Sportsmaster left from post seven in the eight-horse affair and was put into play early by driver Jacob Cutting. She worked hard to get to the front of the action, taking over from Wonder Of Love just past the :27 quarter while Arrival travelled in third.
Once on top, Cutting settled his charge into a nice rhythm and they led comfortably through middle fractions of :54.4 and 1:24.1 while Crazy Cute and Disaronno Hill got rolling on the outside.
In the homestretch, Scorecard Dandy ($3.40) dug down deep as they came charging after her and she was able to hold on gamely for a half-length victory over Crazy Cute with Disaronno Hill holding third from a fast closing JK My Girl (Todd Warren) in the 1:52.4 mile.
Nathalie Tremblay is the winning trainer for owners Green Acres LLC and Mike Kilmas. It was a double on the program for Tremblay.
Apple Juice ($3.60) delivered another impressive performance in the $9,500 freshman Open Pace to register her third straight win.
Driven by Todd Warren, the sharp daughter of Fancy Schmancy went right to the front from post six and held court over her rivals through moderate fractions of :29.1, :58.2 and 1:27.2 before kicking home in :28.2 to secure the victory. Deja Vu Babyboo closed sharply from last to pick up second money and El Perrandero Q charged home a close third in the 1:55.4 mile.
The winner now shows five wins in eight career starts for owner/trainer/breeder Scott Banitt.
Live harness racing returns to Running Aces on Sunday (Aug. 13) for the 'Whatever It Takes Race Night,' which features the $35,000 Steve Wiseman Memorial Trot and puts the spotlight on colon cancer awareness.
Pepsi Family Night specials, trout fishing, food trucks and a baseball hat giveaway are all part of the festivities, which will get underway starting at 6 p.m. and the first of nine races will go to post at 7 p.m. (CDT).
(With files from Running Aces)