by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces Casino & Racetrack

Columbus, MN — Arguably the most impressive performance on the Tuesday evening (June 20) program at Running Aces came in the $10,000 Open Trot, when Banker Volo ($3.60) rebounded from a third place finish last week to post his third win in his last four starts, this one a sharp gate-to-wire romp from post six.

Dee Leftwich photo

Banker Volo was a 1:55.4 winner on Tuesday.

Driver Luke Plano sent the superstar trotter fast off the gate and they never looked back, and even if they had, there was no one in sight. Banker Volo was home first by 6-1/4 lengths in 1:55.4. His owner, Dan Roland of DanJer Farms, invited any fans interested in joining his trotting star in the winner’s circle for the photo and many excited race-goers both young and old marveled at the chance to do so, making for a fun winner’s circle with Banker Volo.

The $10,000 Mares Open Pace also went to post Tuesday night, and another superstar did not disappoint her many fans in the top pace as Best Of Jenna ($2.80) also posted a great gate-to-wire display of horsepower, stopping the clock in 1:52.4 with trainer/driver Rick Magee aboard. Best Of Jenna is owned by Dr. Ken and Jana Lee Rucker and this was her fourth straight win.

Firedrake ($8.00) was ultra-sharp again in a nice $6,000 conditioned pace. Trainer/driver Nick Roland got him away quickly from post seven, and they were second in the pocket at the quarter, where they remained before finding room in the homestretch and firing past the field to post a three-quarter length tally in a lifetime best 1:52.4, for his third straight tally. He is owned by Jessica Johnson.

Fancy Creek Link ($3.00) also delivered another sharp performance, as she found her way to the front early in her $6,400 conditioned pacing event and drew away from her rivals to pick up her fourth consecutive win for her owner Jim Ballinger and trainer Brett Ballinger. She was driven by Nick Roland in the 1:54.3 victory.

Nick Roland led all drivers with five wins on the program, the first driver to complete the five-bagger so far this season. His other scores came with Rockin Jimmy ($12.80) for trainer Justin Anfinson, The Lehigh Legend ($14.20) for trainer Kathie Plested, and Jabas Luck ($11.40) again for Anfinson.

The next card of live harness racing at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack will go to post on Saturday night (June 24) at 6 p.m. (CDT), with a carryover in the 20-cent Jackpot Pick-5 wager of $17,314.65.