Kahoka, MO — Missouri harness racing took center stage with an eight-race card at Kahoka, Mo., on Sunday (Aug. 2).

With vehicles nicely spaced for some infield tailgating, trotters took to the track for the first race. As the gate folded, Harley Hunter (Gary Liles) sprinted from the outside for the lead, but Lous Voodoo Woman (Steve Renard) edged by him and secured the rail. With a dominant lead throughout, Lous Voodoo Woman held off the late-charging Blaze And Swagger (Jim Reese) to win.

Next up, a full field of six pacers lined up behind the starting gate. Love My Diamond (John Saner) and Overhead Surprise (Gary Liles) battled each other until the top of the stretch. While the pacers looked for the finish line, Zafanelli (Jason Telfer) found another gear, blowing by the leaders. The 2-year-old Bolt The Duer filly picked up her first lifetime win for owner Heidi Saner.

Race three featured Missouri-owned trotters. First Gunner and driver Tom Shipley left smartly to take the top. Chipper Girl with C.L. “Doc” Alber in the bike tracked until just past the quarter, when she pulled and put the race away for her 89-year-old owner, trainer and driver.

Cal’s Hope (Jason Ludwig) left from the two-hole in race four. As they passed the half-mile mark, Bizy’s Beatle started to close the gap and was tipped out by Duane Roland at the top of the lane to sprint home for the win.

In race five, Ron Burks and Ladyinareddress were on a mission. Cutting the mile, the flashy chestnut filly quickly put up lengths on the field. With no one in sight, Ladyinareddress cruised across the finish line, picking up the win for owner Lorenza Gooch.

Next up was race six, featuring Missouri-owned pacers. Ruby Rose (John Saner) took the early lead and never looked back, winning in 2:04.1 for owner Frank Chitwood.

Race seven trotters battled for the lead as the gate folded. Callthebanker (Mike Morales) left sharply, followed by Foxy Bright Star (Gary Liles). Foxy Bright Star inherited the lead when Callthebanker made an untimely break, but Jason Ludwig and Lo Lone Ranger also had their sights on the front. The two trotters hooked up in a back-and-forth battle through the last turn, with the filly — Foxy Bright Star — prevailing in the end.

To finish up the afternoon card, free-for-all pacers pushed the gate out of the way. Nat A Cam (Mike Morales) took advantage of the rail to secure the lead. As they hit the halfway mark, Free Radical (Jason Ludwig) made a move on the outside but was unable to clear. Nat A Cam remained in complete control, as she paced to a 2:01.4 win for the fastest mile of the day.