by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces
Columbus, MN — The Tuesday evening (June 12) card at Running Aces was loaded with exciting races and close finishes.
One of the most exciting stretch duels came in the $10,000 upper-level claiming pace ($12,500 tags), when Cantholdmebackmack ($5.40) and driver Nick Roland rallied from the back of the pack to engage in a battle with race leader Bet Together (James Yoder) in the homestretch.
Dee Leftwich photo
Cantholdmebackmack rallied late to post a three-quarter length tally in 1:53.1.
Bet Together had posted the early fractions of :27 and :56.1 before losing the lead to a strong challenge from 31-1 outsider Cenalta Power (Tim Maier) near the three-quarters. Bet Together dug down deep and reclaimed the lead turning for home, but then faced another strong challenge from eventual winner Cantholdmebackmack, who rallied past late to post a three-quarter length tally in 1:53.1 for a two race win streak. Goody Two Socks (Rick Magee) was home third. The winner, a talented 8-year-old gelding by Relentless Yankee, is owned and trained by Jessie Pacheco.
The $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace was another epic battle between the two top mares Gold Star Mysti (James Yoder) and Kiss On The Lips (Nick Roland). Kiss On The Lips worked hard in the first quarter to establish the lead from the outside post in :27.1 and was in control at the half mile post in :57.3 but faced a tremendous challenge from Gold Star Mysti throughout the final half-mile.
Those two mares traded noses on the lead every step from there to the wire, with Kiss On The Lips prevailing by a head at the line. A judges inquiry determined that Kiss On The Lips bore out in the deep stretch into the path of Gold Star Mysti, just enough to warrant a disqualification for interference. The order was reversed and Gold Star Mysti was declared the official winner for her first win of the season. The final time was 1:53.3. The winning mare is owned by Gold Star Farm and trained by James Yoder.
Driver Nick Roland led the program with three wins, while Rick Magee and James Yoder both posted driving doubles.
The 20-cent Jackpot Pick-5 wager continues to build and now stands at $7,333.63 for Saturday night (June 16). This weekend’s feature races will each go for $20,000 with the Running Aces Trot on Saturday and The Running Aces Pace on Sunday. There are lots of activities for Father’s Day at the track, including a chance to win a fishing trip, and a bottle opener giveaway along with live music and other family themed activities. Post time on both Saturday and Sunday is 6 p.m. (CDT).