The Tuesday night Feature Race on the harness racing card at Running Aces was the $13,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace, and the "Party Girl" Party Hangover Two did not disappoint tonight with a dominating performance in the contest.
Assigned post 8 in the 9 horse affair, Trainer/Driver Steve Wiseman used his mare's tactical speed to sprint from the gate and they found the lead just after the 27.2 quarter clocking.
From there it was never in doubt for the talented 5 year old by Party At Artsplace, who is now 8 for 12 on the season, after the 1:54.2 mile. She now has$44,070 in the bank this season for Owners Kathy Plested, Barbara and Donald Arnstine, and Stephen Chambers. Party Hangover Two returned just $2.40 as part of a two-horse entry in the wagering. Tonight's performance adds to a laundry list of her big wins here at Running aces over the past 2 years, all of them at the top level.
Firedrake, a 3 year old gelding pacer by Dragon Again, was an absolute monster tonight, posting a scintillating performance in a $5,500 conditioned event, he started from post 7, and Trainer/Driver Nick Roland sent him storming out of the gate to an immediate lead, from there he posted fractions of 28.2, 58.0 and 1:25.3 before motoring home in 27.3 to post a two length win. Race favorite Dakota Jack (Steve Wiseman), sat in the pocket and tried to mount a stretch rally, but there would be no getting to Firedrake tonight, as he absolutely paced away from his closest rival and stopped the clock in 1:53.1, a new lifetime mark, with the last half mile in a very impressive 55.1. This super nice pacer is owned by Set The Pace Racing, LLC and has now won 6 of 12 lifetime starts.
Whatitdo BabyBoo posted another sharp win tonight as well, with a come-from-behind and pulling away score in 1:58.3 a lifetime best mile, in the $8,000 2 Year old Filly Pace tonight with Steve Wiseman in the sulky for Van Otterloo stables and Trainer David Flynn. She was the big favorite and paid just $2.10 after the 4 ½ length win.
Steve's Hot Rod (by Voracious Hanover) pulled an 11-1 upset in the $8,000 2 year old geldings pace, with a 1:58.1 lifetime mark win from gate to wire with Rick Magee in the bike, paying $25.40. He is owned by Kati Sokolowski and also trained by David Flynn.
Mint To Cruise (by Up Front Brad) also posted a huge winning mile tonight, with a sweeping win from well off the pace in a $4,500 conditioned pacing event, he stormed home in 28.3 to post a 5¾ length win in 1:56.1, a lifetime best mile with Trainer/Driver Nick Roland, again for Owners Set The Pace Racing LLC. He paid $4.40 to win.
Driver Steve Wiseman had a big night with a Hat-Trick, and Nick Roland and Luke Plano both posted driving doubles.
By Darin Gagne, Running Aces Track Announcer