from Running Aces

Columbus, MN — For the second straight week trainer-driver Jason Ryan swept both the Open Pace and the Fillies and Mares Open Pace on the Tuesday night program at Running Aces.

Dee Leftwich photo

Jason Ryan urged Six Gun to the wire in Tuesday night’s $8,500 Open Pace at Running Aces in 1:50.4, an all-age track record performance.

This week the feat was doubly impressive as Six Gun, a 5-year-old gray gelding owned by Anthony Artuso, set the all-age track record of 1:50.4 in the $8,500 featured race. The gate-to-wire performance lowered the 1:51.2 mark established last season by Restless Yankee. Firstclassallthway (John DeLong) and Armbro David (Tim Maier) finished second and third, respectively, in the six-horse field.

Ironically, Restless Yankee — in just his fourth start back at Running Aces this season — also won in a $7,000 conditioned race on the same card in 1:53, which will likely set up a grudge match between the current and former track record holders in next Tuesday’s Open.

In the top distaff race, Passion R Virginie held off a late challenge by Show Runner (Tim Maier) and Blazing Fury (Rick Magee) to give Ryan his impressive driver-trainer double. The 1:53 clocking was a lifetime best for the 6-year-old mare that the 24-year-old reinsman also owns.

Racing resumes Wednesday night at Running Aces with a 7 p.m. (CDT) post time.