by Ayers Ratliff, for Raceway Park

Toledo, OH — Anvil Raider N paced home for his 85th career victory on Sunday (June 30) in Raceway Park’s eighth race.

The 14-year-old has 259 career starts in North America, winning 65 times and finishing second and third 33 and 31 times, respectively. Anvil Raider N (In The Pocket-Motu Sweet Lady) has North American earnings of $262,221 and a lifetime mark of 1:51 set at Mohawk at age eight. His 1:51 lifetime best also represents his richest win, in a $15,040 conditioned race.

Anvil Raider N started from post three and made every pole a winning one, posting fractions of :27.3, :58, 1:26.3 and 1:55. He finished 1-1/4 lengths in front of his closest competitor, Whattafine Rusty (Tyler Smith). He was the overwhelming favorite and returned $2.60 to win.

Will Johnson owns and trains Anvil Raider N. Johnson called upon the pacer’s customary pilot, Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., to drive. Sunday’s victory was the 13th this season for Anvil Raider N, tying him for the third winningest horse in North America so far this year.

“It is amazing how good he still is for his age,” commented Wrenn. “Most horses aren’t still racing at 14, and the ones who make it to 14 are just not as solid as him.”

Despite 10 wins in 2012 and 13 so far this year, Anvil Raider N is still camera shy. He seldom gets his picture taken in the winner’s circle.

“I haven’t taken him to get his picture for about two years,” Wrenn explained. “He is the worst kicker I have ever seen. You would think by age 14 he would be over kicking like he does, but that’s just how he is.”

Wrenn said that as bad as he is off of the track, Anvil Raider N is not always a “terror.”

“He is wonderful to drive. I love driving him. He has a ton of gate speed and steers with two fingers.”

Being a 14-year-old, this is the last year that Anvil Raider N is able to compete. He faces mandatory retirement on Dec. 31 of this year.

“I have been told that the plan is to keep him at Will’s farm and just let him be a horse,” said Wrenn. “He has been a really good horse and he deserves to have a good life.”

Anvil Raider N was one of four winners on the night for Wrenn. Tyler Smith also had a successful evening and scored a driving triple.