Missouri-owned pacers and trotters make their mark in Kahoka

With rain canceling races over the past two years, excited fans gathered in the grandstand and tailgated in the infield to watch harness racing at Kahoka, Missouri on Sunday (Jul. 23).

In the opener, for three-year-old pacers, Greatest Honor (Western Trademark, Royal Roland) sprinted from the gate to take the lead, with Beach Bum Harley (Heidi Saner) settling in the pocket. Waiting until past the half, Beach Bum Harley pulled to take a shot at the leader. Gaining control, Beach Bum Harley was on top as they turned for home. Stretching out his lead, Beach Bum Harley cruised to the wire, pacing in 2:00 flat for a new lifetime mark.

Free-for-all pacers took to the track in race four. As the gate folded, JoJo Go N Spi (Kathleen Raymond) and Overtheedgeofhonor (Western Trademark, Royal Roland) paced stride for stride as they raced to the quarter-pole. As JoJo Go N Spi gained the lead, Overtheedgeofhonor pulled to the outside, competing for the front. Still battling past the half, Overtheedgeofhonor took command as they raced to the three-quarters. Not looking back, Overtheedgeofhonor stretched out his lead, gaining the victory in 2:04.2.

Race five featured Missouri-owned trotters. With a charge to the front, Chipper Girl (Band’s Gold Chip, Rob Anderson) took the lead and didn’t look back. Cutting the mile in 32.3, 1:05.3 and 1:36.4, Chipper Girl was still trotting strong as she rounded the last turn. With the race under wraps, Chipper Girl captured the win in 2:06.2 for owner C.L. Alber.

Three-year-old trotters took the track in race seven. SV Blushing’s Moni (International Moni, Royal Roland) quickly took the lead from the two-hole, with TSS Hothouse (Chad Svendsen) settling into the pocket. Looking for a chance at the front, Jason Telfer pulled Star Force to the outside as they trotted to the half. Not willing to give up the lead, SV Blushing’s Moni parked Star Force past the half. Also joining the fray, Hocho Finalvictory raced up to challenge, as Star Force relented. Hooking up to the three-quarter-pole, SV Blushing’s Moni was not ready to give up her lead. Finding another gear, SV Blushing’s Moni opened up in the stretch. Trotting in 2:05.4, SV Blushing’s Moni secured her fourth season’s win on the hometown track for Missouri trainer Tom Shipley.

The second Missouri-owned feature race was held on race eight, for pacers. Miss Fancy Face (Heidi Saner) raced from the gate to take the lead. As Miss Fancy Face took the field to the half, Liar’s Last Squirt (Arizona Liar, Jason Telfer) sprinted from third to take over, with Black River Bullet (Frank Chitwood) following suit. Battling around the final turn, Liar’s Last Squirt and Black River Bullet matched strides to the stretch. With a final push, Liar’s Last Squirt crossed the finish line in front, victorious for owner Frank Chitwood.

Free-for-all trotters competed in race ten. Merly (Major Athens, Adam Hauser) floated out from the rail to take the lead. Setting the fractions in 29.3, 1:00.0 and 1:30.4, Merly hit the top of the lane, ahead of the field by open lengths. With no challengers in sight, Merly trotted home for the win in 2:03.3.

Racing resumes on Saturday (7/29) at Nashua, Iowa. Post time is 12:30pm CST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tara Spach, for IaHHA