Mark Mintune scores grand slam at What Cheer

The weather was not the only hot topic at What Cheer, Iowa on Sunday (6/30), but harness racing driver Mark Mintum was on fire, picking up four driving wins on the twelve-race card.

Mintun’s first win came in race two, featuring Aged Iowa-Registered trotters.  Having the assignment on Lucy Jewel for trainer Justin Gould, Mintun went straight to the top as the gate folded from the three-hole.

Cutting the mile in 32.0, 103.4 and 135.0, Lucy Jewel led the field to the top of the lane.  Sparkplug Sparky (Lee Herron) pulled from the pocket, trying to gain on the leader but Mintun had Lucy Jewel aimed for the wire.  Crossing the finish line in 205.2, it was all Lucy Jewel, picking up her second win in a row.

In race seven, for three-year-old pacers, Mintun and Looksome Levi charged from the four-hole, straight to the top with Fated Future (Kolton Hauser) sitting second and Freaky Pete (Royal Roland) in third.  Coming to the half, Freaky Pete pulled to the outside, taking over the lead.

Not willing to sit in the pocket, Looksome Levi looked to challenge, matching strides with Freaky Pete as they passed the three-quarter-pole.  Battling down the lane, Looksome Levi pulled ahead to take the win, pacing in 2:04.1.

Karpathian Queen and Mintun competed from the three-hole in race eleven, for two-year-old pacers.  As the race started, She’s Kiding (Kolton Hauser) left briskly to take the top, as Easy Arm Photo (Royal Roland) raced to take over as they reached the quarter.

Reaching the half, Karpathian Queen found cover, as Charming Katie (Rob Anderson) pulled to challenge.  Second over to the three-quarters, Karpathian Queen found another gear, making a bold move to the front.  Cruising down the stretch, Karpathian Queen captured her second win, pacing across the wire in 2:11 flat.

Also featuring two-year-old pacers in the closer, Mintun had Major Burns on a mission, sprinting out from the four-hole to take the lead.  Setting the pace in 32.0, 105.1 and 1:36.0, Major Burns was in full command.  Pulling away from the field, Major Burns went wire to wire, securing his second lifetime win and Mintun’s driving quadruple.

Iowa harness racing resumes on Thursday (7/4) and Friday (7/5) at Humboldt.  Post time for both days is scheduled for 12:30pm CST.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Tara Spach, for the IaHHA