Columbus, MN – The Tuesday night (July 1) harness racing program at Running Aces featured the $14,750 Open Handicap pace with a bulky field of 10 talented competitors.
Last week’s winner, He’zzz A Wise Sky (Dean Magee), was the talk of the tote board at 3-5 while Speaking Volumes (Rick Magee) had plenty of support as the 5-2 second choice.
I’m A Skoldier (Josiah Miller) left fast from the inside draw to grab the early lead while Speaking Volumes charged alertly from post six and He’zzz A Wise Sky surged from post nine to also try for the top.
I’m A Skoldier had the call at the :26.2 quarter mile while Speaking Volumes landed in the pocket and He’zzz A Wise Sky marched toward the front to subsequently take over the lead just after the 3/8 marker and was on top as they recorded the half mile in :54.2.
War Machine (Mooney Svendsen), who initially got away fifth, launched a strong first over bid down the backside and drew on even terms with the leader as they headed into the far turn, taking the lead and opening up as they passed the three-quarters in 1:22.
War Machine continued to pace strongly in the lane while He’zzz A Wise Sky began to feel the effects of the hot early fractions. Speaking Volumes emerged from the pocket with pace to secure second and Alilthundadownunda rallied late from a ground-saving trip to pick up the pieces in third.
The winning margin for War Machine, who was dismissed by the public at 32-1, was 4-1/2 lengths and he stopped the timer at 1:50 for the fastest mile of the Aces season so far and a new career mark.
War Machine ($66.80) is a 4-year-old son of Sweet Lou and is owned by Heart And Soul Racing and Jim Ballinger and is trained by Brett Ballinger. He now shows five wins this year and 12 career wins with total earnings of $129,807.
The Tuesday night leaders included drivers Mooney Svendsen, Nick Roland and Dean Magee and trainer Brett Ballinger, all with doubles on the card.
Live racing returns to Running Aces for a 10-race program on Thursday night (July 3) that will feature a trio of carryovers, including $1,732.43 for the Early Pick-4 starting in race two, $1,175.43 for the Early Pick-3 starting in race three, ad $894.47 for the Hi-5 wager in race four. First post is set for 6 p.m. (CDT).