by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces Casino & Racetrack

Columbus, MN — One of the most impressive performances on the Tuesday evening (June 27) program at Running Aces came in the $10,000 Open Handicap Trot, and it was Banker Volo ($3.20) who once again dominated the proceedings with a dazzling gate-to-wire performance, and another new all-age track record for trotters.

Dee Leftwich photo

Banker Volo and his connections celebrate in the winner’s circle.

Driver Luke Plano sent the superstar trotter right to the front from the outside six post and they never looked back from there, widening the lead at every marker and registering a 6-1/2 length romp in 1:54.2, for the fastest trotting mile in the history of the track, a feat he also accomplished just two weeks ago.

The ultra-sharp 8-year-old stallion is by Yankee Glide and is trained by Jenni King for owner Dan Roland, who again invited any interested fans to join in the winner’s circle celebration after the record mile. It made for a fantastic photo and it put a big smile on so many faces.

Also featured on the night was the $11,000 Mares Open Pace and Best Of Jenna ($3.00) did not disappoint her fans as she posted another brilliant gate-to-wire tally for her fifth straight victory at the top mares level at Running Aces. Best Of Jenna and Rick Magee brushed immediately to the lead from post seven as usual, and controlled the affair, but faced a furious late charge from Shark Festival (Mooney Svendsen) in the homestretch. Best Of Jenna responded gamely and fought to the wire to hold on by a neck in 1:53.3.

The winner is trained by Rick Magee and is owned by Dr. Ken and Jana Lee Rucker; she remains a perfect 5-for-5 this season.

The Minnesota-sired 2-year-old pacers made their debut as well and it was Aint No Uppy Girl (Wind Me Up) who took the $8,000 filly pace in 2:01.1 with Joe Casagranda driving for The Van Oterloo Stables and trainer David Flinn. The winning filly paid $6.00.

The $8,000 colts and geldings pace went to Giggle Monster (Wind Me Up), with a very sharp gate-to-wire showing in 1:58 with Dean Magee aboard for Alan and Cheryl Sandbulte and trainer Denise Maier. Giggle Monster paid $7.60.

Firedrake, the 4-year-old pacing gelding by Dragon Again, also turned in another razor-sharp dominating win in a very nice $6,500 conditioned pacing event as he turned in another new lifetime best mile in 1:52.2 for owner Jessica Johnson. Trainer/driver Nick Roland waited for no one and sent the razor sharp pacer right to the lead and they turned back a strong challenge from Fire On The Water (James Yoder) through the middle portions of the mile, forcing that rival to settle for second. Firedrake has now won four races in a row, and five of six starts this season.

Nick Roland led all drivers with another grand slam on the 12-race program. He has won 13 races over the last three nights of racing. James Yoder also had a big night, with three wins on the card.

The next card of live harness racing at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack will go to post on Saturday night (July 1) at 6 p.m. (CDT), with a carryover in the 20-cent Jackpot Pick-5 wager of $2,367.20.