Columbus, MN – Running Aces featured two major events on the Sunday (July 20) harness racing program.
The first was the $14,750 Open Handicap trot, which saw a field of seven talented square-gaiters go into battle with All Champy (Mooney Svendsen) sent off as the 6-5 public choice from post five while last week’s winner Escaper (Billy Mann) was given a 2-1 chance by bettors from post seven.
Double A Goldrush (Luke Plano) fired fastest off the gate and got the first call but both All Champy and Escaper wanted the front and those three tussled for the top. Escaper drove to the front and All Champy took a brief seat in the pocket as they registered a quick :27.2 opening fraction but Svendsen was not content to sit in the pocket and made a swift move to the top with All Champy just before the three-eighths pole.
All Champy benefitted from a :30 breather in the second stanza and was well in control as they rolled down the backside with Escaper and Double A Goldrush giving chase. Dylan The Great made a first-over bid and Bringoverthemoney faced traffic near the back of the pack while trying to make a move.
All Champy kicked it into high gear as they rounded past the three-quarters in 1:26.2 and was still full of trot in the lane, drawing away impressively for a four-length romp in 1:55 while Escaper was clearly second best and Double A Goldrush held third.
It was the fifth win of the season for All Champy ($4.60) for owner Stephen Chambers and trainer Kathie Plested. The classy 11-year old son of Explosive Matter now boasts 49 career wins and earnings of $686,586.
He’zzz A Wise Sky (Yankee Skyscraper) added another major accomplishment to his impressive career resume, notching his 60th career win with a mild upset in the $17,500 Dan Patch Preview pace.
Driver Dean Magee wasted no time in sending the talented 8-year-old gelding into action and they blasted off the car to take immediate control while Speaking Volumes (Rick Magee) landed in the pocket and heavy favorite Dale Yeah (Brady Jenson) got away third.
He’zzz A Wise Sky posted quick early fractions of :26.4 and :55.3 and faced a strong challenge from Dale Yeah, who took a short lead near the 1:23 three-quarters while the other rivals could only chase the top pair.
The battle continued in the lane as Dale Yeah desperately tried to get by He’zzz A Wise Sky, who dug in gamely and refused to relent.
It was a thrilling battle right down to the line with He’zzz A Wise Sky ($6.40) prevailing by a half-length in 1:50.3.
The winner is owned by Triple Zzz Stables and is trained by John Filomeno. He now shows $916,577 in career earnings.
Brady Jenson led the Sunday program with a grand slam of four driving wins while Nick Roland posted a driving double.
Live racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday night (July 22) for a special ‘Christmas in July’ program benefitting Toys For Joy. Patrons who bring a new unwrapped toy to donate will receive a free racing program. First post is set for 6 p.m. (CDT).