Driver Nick Roland regained the lead in the Running Aces’ dash derby with four trips to the winner’s circle on Sunday night’s card.
Following Californian Steve Wiseman’s driving triple on Saturday night, Roland, a 33-year-old Iowa native, trailed for the first time in almost two months by a 52-51 margin after 37 nights of the 53-night meet. Wiseman managed one win on Sunday, but Roland’s four put him back on top by a 55-53 count. Luke Plano has moved up to third in the standings with 42 triumphs, followed by Tim Maier with 41 and Gerry Longo with 38.
Roland captured the $9,600 Open Trot with Silence Son, who topped Thekeptman (Plano) and El Azteca (Longo) in 1:56.2 for owner/trainer George Reider. With the victory, six-year-old Majestic Son gelding eclipsed the $100,000 earnings plateau.
Roland also guided Reider’s Country Jewel to a 1:56 score in a conditioned pace for mares, tallied with Becky Badger Baby from his own stable in a $6,000 Three-Year-Old Open Trot, and steered Liberty Flyer to a 1:56.2 score in a $7,200 conditioned pace for conditioner Justin Anfinson.
Wiseman’s win came behind Imfasterthanu in a $7,200 top distaff conditioned pace. The 1:55.3 victory was the second in four nights for the 10-year-old Cammibest mare owned and trained by Edwin Quevedo.
(With files from Running Aces)