On Saturday evening (Sept. 1), Running Aces featured an $11,000 Open Handicap Trot, which showcased no less than four current track record holders amongst the field of six.
Banker Volo (driven by Rick Magee) flashed his customary early speed to take firm control early. He posted a :27.2 opening quarter, Distaffer Silverlode (Lemoyne Svendsen) got away in the pocket and Pridecrest (Steve Wiseman) got away in third.
Banker Volo maintained honest fractions with a middle half of 58 seconds. Pridecrest launched a first-over attack just past the half. Banker Volo still had command as they turned in for home, but the challenges were coming on all sides: Pridecrest bore down just outside the leader, Silverlode ducked to the inside, and Ideal Jesse joining the frey on the far outside.
When the dust settled at the wire, Pridecrest ($3.60) had prevailed with another impressive effort. The win was his second straight victory in 1:54.3, and third straight overall. Leading trainer Kathleen Plested-Wiseman conditions the six-year old Angus hall prodigy who has now won five of his last six races for owner Christopher Schick.
Giggle Monster was back in the spotlight on Saturday, as he turned in his biggest win of the season while capturing the $14,000 Minnesota-Sired Three-Year-Old Pace in a lifetime best mile of 1:53.4 with Dean Magee at the lines. Giggle Monster has now won three of his 13 starts on the year for owners Alan & Cheryl Sandbulte and trainer Justin Anfinson.
Lemoyne ‘Mooney’ Svendsen was the leader on the night with three wins, while Steve Wiseman and Dean Magee both picked up doubles on the card.
The 20-cent Pick-5 jackpot carryover has grown to $31,010.39 for Sunday night (Sept. 2) and the 50-cent Hi-5 wager also offers a carryover of $3,420.87.
(With files from Running Aces)