What Cheer, IA — The weather was not the only hot topic at What Cheer on Sunday (June 30). Mark Mintum was on fire, picking up four driving wins on the 12-race card.

Mintun’s first win came in race two, featuring older Iowa-Registered trotters. Having the assignment on Lucy Jewel for trainer Justin Gould, Mintun went straight to the top as the gate folded. Cutting the mile in :32, 1:03.4 and 1:35, Lucy Jewel led the field to the top of the lane. Sparkplug Sparky (Lee Herron) pulled from the pocket, trying to gain on the leader but Mintun had Lucy Jewel aimed for the wire. Crossing the finish line in 2:05.2, it was all Lucy Jewel, picking up her second win in a row.

In race seven, for 3-year-old pacers, Mintun and Looksome Levi charged from the four hole straight to the top with Fated Future (Kolton Hauser) sitting second and Freaky Pete (Royal Roland) in third. Coming to the half, Freaky Pete pulled to the outside, taking over the lead. Not willing to sit in the pocket, Looksome Levi looked to challenge, matching strides with Freaky Pete as they passed the three-quarter pole. Battling down the lane, Looksome Levi pulled ahead to take the win, pacing in 2:04.1.

Karpathian Queen and Mintun competed from the three-hole in race 11, for 2-year-old pacers. As the race started, She’s Kiding (Kolton Hauser) left briskly to take the top, as Easy Arm Photo (Royal Roland) raced to take over as they reached the quarter. Reaching the half, Karpathian Queen found cover, as Charming Katie (Rob Anderson) pulled to challenge. Second over to the three-quarters, Karpathian Queen found another gear, making a bold move to the front. Cruising down the stretch, Karpathian Queen captured her second win, pacing across the wire in 2:11.

Also featuring 2-year-old pacers in the closer, Mintun had Major Burns on a mission, sprinting out from the four hole to take the lead. Setting the pace in :32, 1:05.1 and 1:36, Major Burns was in full command. Pulling away from the field, Major Burns went wire-to-wire, securing his second lifetime win and Mintun’s driving quadruple.

Iowa harness racing resumes on Thursday (July 4) and Friday (July 5) at Humboldt. Post time for both days is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. (CDT).