Justlikehim's narrow victory in the featured $7,500 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday (Sept. 30) at Running Aces served as the cornerstone for big days for both his trainer and his driver.
Returning $4.60 to win as the second wagering choice, Justlikehim and driver Jacob Cutting prevailed by a scant neck in 1:56.4 over favourite Mandeville (Nick Roland) and Magic MVP (Chris Scicluna). The victory was the second in a row for the five-year-old My MVP gelding, and it also provided trainer Edwin Quevedo with one of three wins on the day and the 19-year-old Cutting one of four driving wins on the program.
On the undercard, Pridecrest ($3.60) scored the 40th win of his career by way of an 11-1/4 length, 1:56.4 romp in a $3,700 conditioned trot. Mooney Svendsen drove the eight-year-old Angus Hall gelding for owner Chris Schick and trainer Katie Plested-Wiseman.
The Jackpot Pick-5 carryover now stands at $18,673.66 leading to Saturday's (Oct. 3) card. All pools will be paid out on Sunday's (Oct. 4) closing day program. Post time for both cards is 1 p.m. CDT.
(with files from Running Aces)