from Running Aces Harness Park

Columbus, MN — Over the past month, trainer Steve Wiseman has brought a pair of exceptional trotters to the fray every time the Open Trot at Running Aces goes to post.

Although they have separate California owners, it is difficult to separate what they’ve accomplished on the track lately. Both are 5-year-olds by Armbro Scribe and both had just over $32,000 in 2012 earnings prior to this week’s race.

Following a furious stretch rally this past Wednesday night and after examining a very tight photo finish it was determined that Franky Provolone, with Wiseman in the sulky, had nosed out stablemate Frank’s Best and catch-driver Lemoyne Svendsen in 1:57.1.

The winner of the $8,800 event, owned by Robin Clements, may be one of the best claims in North America this season. Plucked for $3,750 from a bottom level claiming race during the waning weeks of the Cal Expo meet in late May, Franky Provolone has earned checks in all 11 of his starts at Running Aces including two wins, five seconds and two thirds. His number one fan, Clements’ 83-year-old mother, has followed Franky Provolone’s progress intently every step of the way.

Frank’s Best, owned by trainer Bob Johnson, was shipped to the Wiseman Stable at Running Aces after a stint on the Yonkers-Harrah’s Philadelphia-Meadowlands circuit in June. The $150,000 lifetime winner has adapted quite well to Minnesota with four consecutive second place finishes in the weekly top trot, earning more than $10,000 in his first five local starts.