by Darin Gagne, Running Aces track announcer

Columbus, MN — A nice crowd was on hand for the Preakness Stakes simulcast on Saturday (May 21) and they were treated to some fantastic live harness racing to compliment Triple Crown action.

Flameon kicked off the harness action in the first race by trotting to a big win in 1:56.2 with Dean Magee in the bike for owner/trainer/driver Mark Anderson. The 5-year-old son of Angus Hall, who was the heavy favorite, paid $2.10 for his 14th career win.

It was Rick Magee, however, who stole the show as he posted a driving triple on the eight-race card.

He kicked off his evening by piloting Trot Fudge Sundae ( 1:58.2 ) to victory in the fourth race for owner James Bafia of Illinois. The 2012 American-National Stake winner age two, the daughter of American Native is an Illinois champion and is trained by her driver.

She supplied $2.40 to her backers.

In the following race it was the sharp mare Margin’s Echo that placed Magee right back into the winner’s circle. Owned by Mikaela Delguidice of Scandia, Minnesota, the 3-year-old daughter of Abra outkicked the race favorite, Mr Jackpot (Dean Magee), at the three-quarter pole to stop in the timer in 2:02.1.

The filly was the public’s second selection and Magee also conditions her.

Magee completed his driving trifecta in the evening’s seventh race holding the lines behind Cruzin Coco. The duo commenced their mile from post position eight and trailed all other seven horses in the field until the three-quarter pole. That is when the 3-year-old daughter of Voracious Hanover made her move nearly in unison with rival Gotalilcaptaininme (Nick Roland) and the two fillies did hit the wire as one in a dead heat. The final time was 1:57.

Cruzin Coco is trained by Jack McDaniel and owned by Ronald Emerson of Eagle Grove, Iowa. She paid $7.60 for her triumph while Gotalilcaptaininme provided $7.00 to her supporters.

Live racing returns at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday (May 24).