The Saturday night harness racing feature was the $9,000 Upper level conditioned pace, and it was longshot Del Rio Seelster who pulled the upset at exactly 13-1. Driver Jim Marino took the 8 year old Western Maverick gelding off the gate fifth in the six horse field, then made a sharp first-over move past the ¾ pole, took the lead turning for home, and held off the late charge of Gotta Dream Big (Steve Wiseman) to score by a ½ length in 1:54.0. It was his 5th tally this year in 11 starts, but first win with his current connections – Owner Paul Sanders, of British Columbia, and trainer Sean Lancaster. He paid his backers $28.00 at the windows.
Dapper Dan, the 6 year old Minnesota-sired gelding by Clover Steele, who had an earlier career as a pacer, posted his 2nd consecutive impressive trotting win tonight, in 2:01.4
Starting from post 9, Dapper Dan fired out to an early lead, and never looked back, posting fractions of 30.1, 102.1, and 131.4 over the track listed as good.
He is owned and trained by Dave Carter, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and has been driven in both victories by Brian Detgen. Dapper Dan paid $11.20 for every $2.00 ticket.
The upper-level condition Trot was captured by Banker Volo (Nick Roland) who was heavily favored and paid $3.60. This 7 year old Stallion by Yankee Glide showed his back class and destroyed a field of nice trotters, scoring the win by 10¼ lengths in 1:56.1 The accomplished trotter is owned by Daniel & Jeralene Roland of Iowa, with Dan handeling the training.
Cruzin Coco ( by Voracious Hanover ) scored her 3rd straight Aces win, taking the $7,000 3 year old Minnesota-Sired Filly Pace posting a dominating 5¼ length score in 1:56.1 with Rick Magee aboard, paying $2.80
Drivers Steve Wiseman, Nick Roland, and Rick Magee all scored doubles on the Saturday night card.
The next card of live Harness Racing at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack will go to post on Sunday night, June 5 at 6:00 pm CDT, with a carryover in the .50 cent Jackpot Pick-6 wager of $2,575.59.
By Darin Gagne, Running Aces Track Announcer