by Paul Ramlow, assistant publicity director, The U.S. Trotting Association

Lexington, KY — The Saturday, October 1 card at The Red Mile also featured a pair of Bluegrass divisions for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

In the $140,800 opening division, Mac Nichol and Brittany Farms’ American Ideal thrilled the crowd with a front stepping victory in 1:47.4, the fastest race mile ever by a three-year-old. Mark MacDonald was in the bike for trainer Casie Coleman as the Western Ideal colt broke the old mark of 1:48 held by PB Bullville and Quik Pulse Mindale.

USTA Photo

Trainer Casie Coleman, left, stands with American Ideal following his world record performance.

Starting from the five hole, American Ideal had to work for the front end as Village Jolt tried to protect the rail, and these two dueled to an opening panel of :25.4 with American Ideal finally getting to the lead. MacDonald then took his mount to the half in :53 and the three-quarters in 1:20.2. Turning for home, American Ideal began to draw away from the field and put in a final panel of :27.2 despite no urging from his driver. He reached the wire in the world record clocking to a thunderous ovation from the appreciative racing fans in Lexington. Thin Blue Line (John Campbell) finished second and Up Front Tornado (Dave Palone) was third.

“It’s just a real pleasure to train a horse like him,” said Casie Coleman. “He was well in hand and finished strong.”

For American Ideal, the win was his ninth in 18 trips to the post this year. He has now earned $623,973 in 2005.

The $141,800 second division went to Jeffrey Snyder, Lothlorien Equestrian Center and Perretti Racing Stable’s Rocknroll Hanover in a time of 1:50.2. Brian Sears piloted the Brett Pelling-trainee to his eighth win of the season, lifting his 2005 bankroll to $1,644,552 in 12 appearances.

USTA Photo

The $141,800 second division went to Rocknroll Hanover in a time of 1:50.2.

Theredandpanlines (Mark MacDonald) was the early leader in the field of eight, reaching the quarter pole in a time of :27.3. Dave Palone pulled Up Front Charlie off the rail on the backstretch and they took over the front end though middle panels of :54.3 and 1:23.4. Rocknroll Hanover, who got away in the middle of the pack, improved to first over in second place at the three-quarters, then easily bolted to the lead midway down the stretch. He was never challenged the rest of the way and hit the finish line in total command. Escapable Beaux (Doug Brown) closed strongly to finish second, while Up Front Charlie faded to third.