Hottieonthehorizon, Anna B inseperable at Aces

Columbus, MN – The Thursday night (June 10) harness racing program at Running Aces featured the $11,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace, with a solid field of seven distaffers facing the gate.

The public choice (8-5) was Rojo Calienete (Tony Kerwood) who was stepping up to the top level with a three race win streak on the line. Anna B (Brady Jenson) was the clear second choice in the win pool at 9-5 and was fastest away from the car to quickly take command and open up by 2-1/2 lengths while posting a quick :27.2 opening quarter. Hottieonthehorizon (Nick Roland) got away in the pocket and stalked the leader through the solid middle panels (:56.1 and 1:23.4) while Rojo Caliente tried a first-over attack but could not reach even terms with the leader.

Anna B was still looking strong on the lead as they made the swing for home, but Roland quickly got Hottieonthehorizon rolling up the inside in mid-stretch and Jenson kept Anna B to her task and the two mares surged to the wire together in a thrilling finish and a 1:52.1 mile. The photo finish camera could not separate the two on the line and they were 1-1/4 lengths ahead of Rojo Caliente in third.

HOTTIONTHEHORIZON, ANNA B REPLAY

Hottieonthehorizon ($8.20) is also trained by Roland and is owned by Leslie Goldlien and Rick Lancaster. Anna B ($3.40) is also owned and trained by Jenson. The 1:52.1 clocking was a new career mark for both mares.

SD Watchmenow (Brian Detgen) scored a gate-to-wire tally in the $6,500 3-year-old open pace, taking a new career mark in 1:56.1 with a ½ length win over Playthehandurdealt (Jacob Cutting). The winner is a Minnesota-Sired sophomore gelding by Wind Me Up, he is also trained by Detgen, who co-owns with Sarah Solheid.

Drivers Rick Magee, Brian Detgen and Brady Jenson all registered doubles on the Thursday card and Jenson also completed a training double.

Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Sunday (June 13) with first post at 6:05 pm (CDT) and will feature a carryover in the 20 cent Pick-5 Jackpot pool of $14,997.66.

For full race results, click here.

by Darin Gagne’, for Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack