Columbus, MN – The saturday night Harness Racing program at Running Aces was highlighted by the $12,000 Open Handicap Trot with 7 very talented square-gaiters going in to battle for top honors.
Banker Volo was back in action, fresh off his victory in the top trot a week ago, and Pridecrest was on the scene to try once again for his first visit to the Aces winner's circle.
Pridecrest (Steve Wiseman) was sent off as the 4-5 choice from post 6. Silverlode (Mooney Svendsen) left from post five for the second consecutive week, after just-missing against Banker Volo at the wire in 1:55.1 last out.
Banker Volo (Nick Roland) had the outside 7 post assignment, but waisted no time in finding the front of the field, sprinting right to the lead with a 27.3 opening quarter and leading the charge through the middle fractions of 57.3 and 1:26.3 while facing strong opposition from Pridecrest during the third panel.
Banker Volo lost the lead to Pridecrest just at the cusp of the home-stretch, but Mooney Svendsen was angling to the outside with Silverlode after saving ground throughout. Silverlode exploded with trot in the lane, and easily powered by Pridecrest, who had to settle for second after a valiant effort.
Silverlode found the wire in 1:55.1 to etch her name in the Running Aces history books as the fastest Aged Trotting Mare in track history, shattering the previous mark of 1:56 (Majestic Lady Jo – 2016).
Her final margin of victory tonight was 1 1/2 lengths over Pridecrest, with longshot Ideal Jesse (James Yoder) home third at 17-1. Silverlode ($13.60) is a 9 year old by British Sterling, and she is out of the prolific mare Charlotte's Web. She was bred by Desomer Stables of California, and she is currently leased by Emilio Cisneros, and trained by Rick Bertrand.
This talented mare now has 37 lifetime wins and has earned $186,987.
Driver Lemoyne "Mooney" Svendsen had a banner night this evening, as the Minnesota Harness Racing Hall of Fame member piloted a total of 4 winners on the 8 race program.
Aside from his record-setting steer on Silverlode, Mooney also guided his own trainee My friskie Boy ($3.60) to a new lifetime mark in 1:53.3, Scramble Camp ($3.40) also to a new lifetime mark in 1:58.2 for trainer Jenni King, and One Small Favor ($5.40) in 1:57.1 for trainer Mark Anderson.
Running Aces offers Live Racing every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday evening, visit our website at RunAces.com for a complete schedule of events, promotions and for complete handicapping resources.
By Darin Gagne', for Running Aces