Columbus, MN — One of the sharpest performances on the Tuesday night (Sept. 17) program at Running Aces came from 4-year-old pacer I’m A Big Shot who proved he was a big shot in a $6,800 conditioned pace.
The son of American Ideal was making just his third start of the season and looking to extend a three race win streak that began back in July 2023.
Trainer/driver Brady Jenson sent him away from the gate in quick fashion from post two and they battled early with Who’zzz This Sky (Dean Magee). Jenson opted to take the pocket trip in front of Lilbabyblue (James Kennedy). After a :27.4 opening quarter, Who’zzz This Sky took a :29.3 breather in the second panel and was still on top by 1-1/4 lengths as they registered three panels in 1:25.4.
At the top of the lane Jenson shook free with I’m A Big Shot ($2.20) and he was full of pace. Who’zzz This Sky dug in for the battle but I’m A Big Shot was too much to handle and surged past late to draw clear by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:54 which equaled his lifetime best. Lilbabyblue completed the trifecta. The winner is owned by Jenson as well as Larry Barnett.
American Dreamer, also by American Ideal, posted an impressive tally in a $12,000 top conditioned level pace for his third win of the season and his 35th career victory.
Todd Warren was in the bike and sent him right to the front from post three. They held court at every call and gamely held off a big late rally from Love Your Work A (Brian Detgen) to post a three-quarter length winning margin. Picoso (Tyler Miller) was third best in the 1:51.2 mile. American Dreamer ($8.20) is owned by Wilson Racing, Ann Calvert and Mark Eichberger and is trained by Tim Wilson Jr. along with assistant Jenni De Menge.
After a disqualification, He’zzz A Wise Sky (Dean Magee, $3.60) was placed as the winner of the $15,500 Open Handicap Pace to register his sixth tally of the season with a time of 1:52.1. Placed to second was Sneaky Hill (Jenson) and placed to third was Mac’s Marvel (Williams Hernandez). The winner is owned by Triple Zzz Stable and is trained by John Filomeno. He now shows 54 career wins with earnings of $785,254.
Live racing returns to Running Aces this weekend with special programs on Friday (Sept. 20) and Saturday (Sept. 21). Post time on both nights is at 6 p.m. (CDT).