The featured event of the Sunday night (July 30) harness racing card at Running Aces was the $11,000 Horses & Geldings Open Handicap Pace, and it was loaded with a field of 8 talented contenders. None in the field had ever displayed more talent or heart than the race headliner and favorite Roland N Rock, who reminded and doubters of exactly who is king of the Running Aces pacing department.
Roland N Rock ($3.60) floated away in sixth from post seven with Driver Luke Plano aboard, and got rolling first-over well before the half, sweeping quickly to the lead just at the midway point in the affair. Shortly after settling on top, the outer flow of horses came raging on the outside, and SF Donttellonme (Joe Casagranda) swept right by "Rocky" for the lead, opening up almost 4 full lengths around the final turn.
Rocky was down but not out. As they straightened away for home Rocky decided it was his race and nobody was beating him tonight, he stepped on the gas one more time and accelerated right past SF Donttellonme to score his 11th win in 23 starts this year, and his 49th lifetime win by 1 length in a sparkling 1:51.3 with a final quarter in 27.3.
The local superstar pacer and 5 year old gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover has now earned $489,857 for Owners Duane and Connie Roland, and Duane Roland does the training while Rocky is home. He is expected to be heading back to his winter stomping grounds at Yonkers Raceway in a few months.
The $13,000 Minnesota-Sired 3 year old Trot went to Liquor'skwikker tonight, who posted a career mile with a gutsy first-over grinding win in 2:01.3 with Driver James (J.D.) Yoder in the sulky for Owners Ulf and Susan Holm-Johansen , they are also the breeders of this gelding by Matchstick Man. Tonight's victory was the first win of the season for "Liqour", who had 5 wins as a 2 year old last season and was a state champion 2 year old gelding.
Driver James (J.D.) Yoder completed a Hat-Trick on the Sunday card, and Dean Magee and Luke Plano both picked up driving doubles as well.
Live Racing returns on Tuesday night, August 2 with a first post of 7:00 pm CDT and a carryover in the .20 cent Jackpot Pick-5 wager of $21,817.41.
By Darin Gagne, Running Aces Track Announcer