Iron Sharpens Iron posted another impressive win at Running Aces on Tuesday (Sept. 6) to make it eight straight wins for the talented son of Banker Volo. He also posted his fourth track record mile, this time shattering his own previous best by one and one-fifth seconds to lower the track mark for freshman male trotters to 1:58.1 in the $19,800 Minnesota-sired freshman ‘A’ trot.
Driver Luke Plano saw lots of early competition for the lead and was content to float out of the gate in fifth position from post seven before moving up on the outside as they passed the fans for the first time. Iron Sharpens Iron ($2.20) easily cleared to the front before the second turn and led at every call from there.
The early fractions were solid (:29.1 and :58) and it was abundantly clear that his previous track record was in serious jeopardy.
Whata Tettegouche (Dean Magee) was the early leader and trotted strong throughout the record mile, checking in just 1-3/4 lengths behind the winner to play runner-up for the seventh straight time. Wisco Wild Card (Tony Kerwood) was also part of the early speed and held gamely for a clear third.
The winner is owned by Jeralene Roland and trained by Dan Roland, along with assistant Angie Coleman. He has now won 10 of 11 career starts and has banked $81,605 to date.
It was another big night at Running Aces for team Longo, as A Major Omen made it three in a row in the top $19,800 Open Handicap Pace.
Driver Tony Kerwood was in no hurry early and got away in fifth from post six while Saddle Up (Dean Magee) and PD The Big Easy (Brady Jenson) made the quick early pace (:26.2, :55.3).
When heavy favourite Caliber (Plano) tipped out to surge to the lead, Kerwood sent A Major Omen into the outer flow. They methodically closed in as they rounded the far turn but still had to make up three lengths as Caliber led the field past the three-quarters in 1:22.4.
As they straightened for home, A Major Omen ($12.20) began to hit his best stride and delivered a strong late kick that pushed him past the leader by a half-length at the wire in 1:51.2 for his 12th win of the season. The top two were more than two lengths clear of Saddle Up, who checked in third.
The winner, a six-year-old son of Art Major who eclipsed the $300,000 mark in career earnings with this victory, is owned and trained by Gerald Longo.
ELS Disco Johnny pulled an 8-1 upset in the $15,600 Open II Pace, converting a pocket trip into a solid two-length score in 1:53 with Mooney Svendsen at the controls. Bombay Hanover (Plano) had a ground saving trip and charged home in second, while pacesetter SB Bodacious (Rick Magee) saved third money.
The win was the seventh of the year for ELs Disco Johnny ($18), a four-year-old son of Always A Virgin who is also owned and trained by Longo.
Numbered Account flaunted his class and ability to deliver as the heavy 2-5 favourite in the $12,500 Open III Pace with a dominating gate-to-wire performance in 1:52.2 for his fourth win in 16 outings this year.
Driver Luke Plano sent him right to the lead from post five while What Ya Thinkin (Brady Jenson) got away sharply in the pocket and Just B Talking (Dean Magee) travelled in third. Numbered Account ($2.80) was in firm control throughout and easily turned back a bid from What Ya Thinkin at the top of the lane. Longshot Roll To The Beach (Brandon Jenson) saved ground throughout and rallied up the inside late to grab second over What Ya Thinkin and Just B Talking.
The winner, a six-year-old Roddys Bags Again gelding, is owned by Cathy Dessert and trained by Justin Anfinson.
Odin Itellyaso posted his first career win in the $13,200 freshman ‘B’ trot in 2:03.4 going gate-to-wire at odds of 42-1 for driver Chip Lackey. Caronamar (Mooney Svendsen) was second-best throughout and Conways Pipsqueak (Dean Magee) closed from the back of the pack to pick up third money.
Sired by Southwind Cobra, Odin Itellyaso ($86.80) is owned by Ulf and Susan Holm-Johansen with Ulf handling the training duties.
Live harness racing returns to Running Aces on Thursday (Sept. 9) featuring ‘Thirsty Thursday’ specials, along with the popular ‘Sole Survivor’ handicapping contest. The 10-race program will also offer a carryover of $30,751.19 in the 20-cent Pick-5 Jackpot wager.
(With files from Running Aces)