Columbus, MN– The Saturday evening Harness Racing card at Running Aces featured the Showdown in Columbus between reigning king of Minnesota trotting Banker Volo, and king of California trotting Pridecrest.
The masses were split right down the middle in whom they thought would take the top prize in their first matchup, in the $11,000 Open Handicap. Pridecrest took more action at the windows, going off as the ever-so-slight favorite at 4-5, over Banker Volo at 6-5. When the gate sprung open and pulled away, it was Banker Volo (Nick Roland) who was charging hardest of all, quickly securing the lead.
All eyes were searching for Pridecrest at the start as well, and he was unhurried in the early stages, floating away in 5th through the early fractions of 28.2 and 58.2. Pridecrest launched a first-over attack just past the half mile pole, sprinting up to second position but never quite drawing alongside Banker Volo, who began to accelerate around the final turn. Silverlode had enjoyed a sweet pocket trip behind Banker Volo, and came charging late to make for a thrilling finish.
The crowd was aroar with support for Banker Volo and he fought gamely to the wire to secure the heartwarming victory, successfully defending his legacy as the top trotter in track history. The timer stopped at 1:55.1, with an impressive final panel of 27.4 for the winner, with Silverlode trotting home in 27.2 to come up just a head short on the line.
Banker Volo ($4.40) is now a 9 year old stallion by Yankee Glide, and he is owned by Jeralene Roland and trained by Jenni King, and has now won 33 races and $365,898 lifetime.
The $10,200 3 year-old Minnesota-Sired "A" pace went to Peekaboo Tattoo ($9.80), a filly by Up Front Brad who had raced only 1 time as a two year old, before campaigning in California this year, and picking up 4 wins in 12 starts there.
The filly was up against a very tough competitor in Giggle Monster, the odds on favorite in the talented field. Giggle Monster (Dean Magee) made a quarter pole move to take control of affairs after a slow opening panel of 30.0, and the sharp gelding by Wind Me Up led through middle panels of 1:00.2 and 1:28.4 but Peekabo Tattoo (Steve Wiseman) shook free from a three hole journey to gun down Giggle Monster in the final strides, getting up to win by ¾ of a length in 1:56.2 for a new lifetime mark.
The winner is owned by Fabiola Quevedo and trained by Edwin Quevedo.
Steve Wiseman led all drivers on Saturday with another Hat-Trick for his third consecutive night of 3 wins, while Nick Roland posted his second double in a row.
Live Racing is back at Aces on Sunday, May 27, with first post at 6:00 pm CDT. Carryover in the .20 cent Pick-5 wager is $577.67 and the .50 cent Hi-5 is $1,211.15.
By Darin Gagne' for Running Aces