The featured event on the Tuesday Night (Sept. 5) harness racing program at Running Aces was the $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace, and it was another exciting battle between Kiss On The Lips and Gold Star Mysti.
Driver Nick Roland was aggressive with Kiss On The Lips, sending her fast off the gate to a quick lead, she was clear and on top by three lengths in a flash. Roland then throttled her speed as the rest of the field settled away behind her, and the field was in good single file order at the 28.2 check-in.
Kiss On The Lips and Roland were still well in hand passing the half mile mark in 58.3, and rival mare Gold Star Mysti (James Yoder) had begun their first-over attack, drawing on even terms with the front-runner for the next 3/8 of a mile. The talented top two mares were still locked in battle through a fast 27.2 third panel that stopped the clock at 1:26 for three-quarters.
As they turned for home, Kiss On The Lips ($20.60) was able to fend off Gold Star Mysti in another impressive display of determination, as she opened up two lengths and hit the wire in 1:53.3 for her 2nd straight win. Gold Star Mysti held second as the 1-5 favorite, and La Madawna De Rosa (Luke Plano) checked in third.
Kiss On The Lips has now won 7 of 28 races this season. She is trained by John Rogers for Owner Peg Hoffman.
The $13,000 Minnesota-Sired 2 Year old pace saw a talented field of 10 freshman line up behind the gate, and the filly Ellamennopee was the one who shined brightest on this night, picking up her 4th win in 7 lifetime starts with a fantastic effort in 1:56.1 for a new lifetime mark.
Driver Steve Wiseman sent the impressive filly to the early lead from post 3 off of the crowded gate, before yielding to Watchmeneighneigh (James Yoder) and race favorite Giggle Monster (Dean Magee). Giggle Monster led through the middle portions of the affair, but Wiseman launched Ellamennopee ($7.00) to the attack going into the final turn, and she quickly took control, pacing away to a 3-length tally for Trainer Brett Ballinger and Owner Merlin Van Otterloo.
Live Racing continues at Running Aces 3 nights a week through September 16.
By Darin Gagne, Running Aces Track Announcer