by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces

Columbus, MN — On the Sunday (Aug. 12) program at Running Aces, Gold Star Yoder became the first 2-year-old male pacer to win at the track, establishing a track record of 1:57 in his very first lifetime start.

Dee Leftwich photo

Gold Star Yoder became the first 2-year-old male pacer to win at the track, establishing a track record of 1:57 in his very first lifetime start.

The freshman son of Mysticism had show tremendous ability in training miles and was very impressive in his qualifying race on Aug. 7, finishing second while pacing a final half-mile in :55.3. The 1:57 record mile is likely to be lowered quite soon by this youngster who appears to be brimming with talent. The betting public had recognized his abilities as well, sending him off as the 2-5 choice. Gold Star Yoder ($2.80), affectionately named for his part-owner and trainer/driver James (JD) Yoder, is also owned by Gold Star Farm.

The Yoder barn turned in yet another track record on Sunday night, when their 4-year-old male trotter Ideal Jesse (JD Yoder) turned in another impressive gate-to-wire win and stopped the clock at 1:56 to lower his own record that he set just eight days prior (1:56.1 on Aug. 4). Ideal Jesse ($3.80) is by Jailhouse Jesse, and is owned by Cheyenne Ray. Ideal Jesse also owns the track record for 3-year-old colt trotters (1:56.1). The victory on Sunday was career win number 10.

The two track record miles were part of a grand slam for James Yoder, his second four-win night this week.

SB Fine And Dandy (JD Yoder) pulled the upset in the $8,500 Minnesota-Sired gelding trot, by converting a pocket trip into his third career win in a lifetime best 1:57.2. The victory by a neck would snap a six-race winning streak for the heavy favorite Bringoverthemoney (Rick Magee) who had led every step of the way, until the final step. The victory pushes seasonal earnings to $15,744 for SB Fine And Dandy ($24.20), a son of Claudius Augustus, owned by Susan Holm-Johansen and Deborah Hofsaess and trained by Ulf Holm-Johansen.

Dekker (Rick Magee) delivered her fourth consecutive win as she continues to dominate the 3-year-old filly division of the Minnesota-Sired trotting events. Sent off at 1-9 as part of an entry with stablemate and runner-up Mimi Marguerite, Dekker has now won seven of her last eight races. Sunday night’s tally was a 3-1/2 length romp in a career best time of 1:58.1. Dekker ($2.20) is owned by Jesse, Eric and Benjamin De Long, and is trained by Justin Anfinson.

The 50-cent late Pick-4 wager paid $4,469.45 on Sunday night, and the 20-cent Pick-5 went unsolved. The Pick-5 carryover now stands at $13,890.15 for Tuesday night (Aug. 14) along with a carryover in the 50-cent Hi-5 wager of $1,991.44. First post on Tuesday is 7 p.m. (CDT).