Humboldt, IA — The Humboldt half was ablaze with Iowa freshmen and sophomore racers, seeking a final shot of securing a post on Championship weekend.

On Saturday (Sept. 11), Curtis Carey trained Faithfulfilly (Will Roland) started from the second position in race two, first division of 2-year-old trotting fillies. With CR Promise To You (Chad Svendsen) leaving from the rail, Roland smartly positioned Faithfulfilly into the pocket. Quickly taking the lead past the three-quarter pole, Faithfulfilly led the field down the stretch. Holding off a late charge by Merly (Adam Hauser), Faithfulfilly picked up her fifth win of the season, trotting a new lifetime mark in 2:07.3.

In race three, 2-year-old pacing colts/geldings, Carey and Roland teamed up with CR Dudley. Told to go big or go home, CR Dudley sprinted from the gate to cut the fractions in :29.4, 1:01.2 and 1:32. With a blistering last quarter in :29.4, CR Dudley crossed the wire victorious in 2:01.4, earning a new lifetime record and Roland’s second win on the card.

Another of the Roland clan looked to take a win in race five for 2-year-old pacing fillies. With the three-hole, Lulu Hoop and Duane Roland let Lil Char (Justin Gould) take the lead, as they followed along behind. Pulling past the half, the two fillies battled head-to-head around the last turn. Pacing home in :30.4, Lulu Hoop gained her first lifetime win in 2:03.4.

Princeofthefield with Robert Anderson in the bike for trainer Adam Hauer, drew the five-hole in race eight, the second division of 2-year-old trotting colts/geldings. Taking no prisoners, Princeofthefield left the field behind. With fractions in :32, 1:06, and 1:36.3, Princeofthefield was up by three lengths as he turned for home. Cruising across the line for an easy win, Princeofthefield also gained a new lifetime mark in 2:07.3.

Will Roland scored multiple wins on the day. Driving Lucky To Be Sweet to a new lifetime mark of 2:02.2 in race seven and Crystal Hall to her first lifetime win of 2:12.3 in race 10, Roland earned a driving quadruple on Saturday’s card.

It was time for Iowa sophomores to shine on Sunday (Sept. 12).

Owner/trainer/driver Duane Roland chose to send Always Choose Chip on a mission for a win in the opener, for 3-year-old pacing fillies. Pacing briskly to the top, Always Choose Chip set the pace, cutting the mile in :30, 1:01.2 and 1:31.4. It was an all out battle for the wire, as pacing fillies looked for the finish line. As Brooklyn Wind Up (Mark Minton) made a late charge down the lane, Always Choose Chip held on for the win by a head, pacing the mile in 2:01.4.

Operation Shipley looked to continue her winning ways in race two, the first division of 3-year-old trotting fillies. Trainer Tom Shipley gave driver Royal Roland the mission to turn and burn. Pushing the starting car out of the way, it was all Operation Shipley, cutting the mile in :31.4, 1:04.2 and 1:34.4. With a gate-to-wire finish in 2:05.3, Operation Shipley trotted for her fourth win in a row, ninth win on the season.

Race three featured 3-year-old pacing colts/geldings. Chad Svendsen and Imoutthedoor slammed the door shut on the competition. With fractions in :30.1, 1:01.2 and 1:31.1, Imoutthedoor pulled away from the field. With a last quarter in :29.3, Imoutthedoor picked up his eighth win of the season, pacing in 2:00.4.

The second division of 3-year-old trotting colts/geldings was contested in race eight. I’m Another Wilson (Adam Hauser) was looking for another stellar performance. Trotting from the three-hole, he was up by three lengths as they passed the quarter in :31.3. Taking the half in 1:03, I’m Another Wilson trotted with a purpose to the backside. After a three-quarters in 1:33.1, the Wilson Wyoming colt turned for home. Winning by open lengths, I’m Another Wilson captured the win in 2:04, his fourth win in a row.

Iowa harness racing returns for Championship Weekend at What Cheer. Saturday (Sept. 18) features 2- and 3-year-old consolation races. Championship races for 2- and 3-year-olds will take place on Sunday (Sept. 19). Post time for both days will be 12:30 p.m. (CDT).