from Running Aces

Columbus, MN — Trainer Don Sherman, enjoying an outstanding first season at Running Aces in Minnesota, reached a career milestone Wednesday night (Aug. 28) when he guided Funny Guy to a 1:56.1 score in a $3,500 claiming event. It was the 600th conditioning win in a career that has spanned 20 years.

Dee Leftwich photo

Trainer Don Sherman celebrated his 600th career victory by reining Funny Guy to a high-line triumph at Running Aces on Wednesday night.

Although this is Sherman’s third consecutive season with a UTR average well over .300, it is his first with stable earnings well over $250,000. Sherman will finish second in the trainer standings at Running Aces, which closes after Saturday’s $220,000 Minnesota State Championships program, with 32 triumphs and a 20 percent win percentage.

Funny Guy is owned by Jessica Roegner, who also serves as Sherman’s second trainer. The 6-year-old gelding has won three times and had three place finishes in eight starts since being claimed in early July.

The featured race on the penultimate card for 2013 was an $8,925 Open Trot captured by Salutation Hanover (Nick Roland) over Rich Dessert (Tim Maier) and Franky Provolone (Steve Wiseman). The 1:56.3 clocking gave the winner his second Open company score at Running Aces and increased his lifetime bankroll to more than $650,000. Brett Ballinger trains the 7-year-old stud for Dr. Patrick Graham.

Eleven $20,000 races for Minnesota-sired horses in various age, sex and gait categories will comprise the season finale at Running Aces on Saturday. Post time is 7 p.m. (CDT).