Running Aces Casino & Racetrack closed out the 2016 live harness racing season on Saturday night September 3, with The Night of Champions program, and the night – complete with a huge crowd – was a perfect cap off to the most successful season in the 9 year history of the track.
One of the most impressive performances of the night was that of WhatitdoBabyBoo (Rick Magee), who picked up her 6th straight win, and 7th win in 9 starts this season by taking the $25,000 Minnesota-Sired 2 year old pacing filly championship with a 3 length score in 2:02 for The Van Oterloo Stables and Trainer David Flinn, paying just $2.60 as the crowd’s heavy choice in the wagering
In the 3 year old colt & gelding trot Abra’s Momentum (Gerald Longo) got all of his ducks in a row on the perfect night to post the best mile of his career, taking his first lifetime pari-mutuel win with the $25,000 championship in a 1:59.2 mark for Owner Debra Davis and Trainer Richard Davis of Wisconsin. He paid $29.20 as the longest priced winner of the night.
Whatevershesgot (Gerald Longo) posted an impressive gate-to-wire score in the $25,000 3 year old filly Trot in a career best mile of 1:59.2 in her 11th lifetime win for Owner/Trainer Jenni King, paying $7.60 at the windows.
Silent Dreams (2:04.1) in the $25,000 (Non Betting) 2 yo filly Trot with Dean Magee for Trainer Brett Ballinger and Owners Glen & Jody Wilson. Liquor’sKwikker went gate-to-wire in the $25,000 (NB) 2 year old colts & geldings Trot in 2:05.3 for his 3rd lifetime win for Owners Ulf and Susan Holm-Johansen.
Goody Two Socks (Rick Magee) parlayed a pocket trip into a championship in the $12,500 4 yrs. & up horses and geldings pace in 1:53.4 ($5.80) for Trainer Alexia Kehl and Owner Seppo Hakamaa, while Flick A Fly picked up her 23rd lifetime tally (1:56.0) in the $12,500 Mares pace for 4 yrs. & up also with Rick Magee aboard for The Van Oterloo Stables and Trainer David Flinn, Paying a $3.80 mutuel.
Stuckey Dote (Jim Marino) continued his late season dominance at Running Aces by taking the $25,000 3 year old geldings Pace in 1:55.0 for Owner/Trainer Merlin Van Oterloo, it was the 12th lifetime win for the son of Voracious Hanover, and he payed $3.00 as the favorite. Cruzin Coco (Nick Roland) picked up her 12th lifetime win by capturing the $25,000 3 year old Filly pace in 1:55.1 for Owner’s Ron Emerson and Mark Holtan and Trainer Joel Mc Danel, she paid $5.80 this evening.
Zachariah’s Honor (Luke Plano) posted his second consecutive lifetime best mile in winning the $25,000 2 year old geldings Pace in 1:57.3 tonight for his proud owners Royal & Barbara Roland, it was his 4th lifetime win and he paid $9.00 to win.
Lo Rail Crossing (Jim Marino) picked up his 24th lifetime score while taking down the $12,500 4 year olds & up Trotting event in 1:58.4 for Trainer Nick Roland and Owner Lorenza Gooch. He paid $9.80 for every $2.00 win wager tonight.
Driver Rick Magee had a huge night with 4 wins, while Jim Marino picked up 3 big wins and Drivers Nick Roland and Gerald Longo each picked up two wins on the night of champions.
By Darin Gagne, Running Aces Track Announcer