Pridecrest prevails in thrilling trot at Running Aces

Columbus, MN – The featured Harness Racing event on Saturday night (Sept. 1) at Running Aces was the $11,000 Open Handicap Trot, and it proved to be another exciting rendition with four current track record holders amongst the field of six contenders.

 

Banker Volo (Rick Magee) showed his customary early speed to take firm control early, and post a 27.2 opening quarter with the mare Silverlode (Lemoyne Svendsen) getting away in the pocket and Pridecrest (Steve Wiseman) getting away in third.

 

Banker Volo maintained honest fractions with a middle-half in 58 seconds and Pridecrest launched his first-over attack just past the half. Banker Volo still had command as they turned in for home but the challenges were coming on all sides, with Pridecrest bearing down just outside the leader, Silverlode ducking to the inside, and Ideal Jesse joining the frey on the far outside.

 

When the dust settled at the wire, Pridecrest ($3.60) had prevailed with another impressive effort and his second straight win in 1:54.3, and third straight overall. Leading trainer Kathleen Plested-Wiseman conditions the 6 year old Angus hall prodigy who has now won 5 of his last 6 races for owner Christopher Schick.

 

Giggle Monster was back in the spotlight on Saturday, turning in his biggest win of the season while capturing the $14,000 Minnesota-Sired 3 Year Old Pace in a lifetime best mile of 1:53.4 with Dean Magee at the lines.

 

Dream Chasin (Williams Hernandez) and Ridonkuloso (Steve Wiseman) had the early speed in the affair through a :57 opening half. Giggle Monster got rolling from fifth with a quick sweep to the leader down the backside and took control around the final turn with an impressive turn of foot.

 

Here Comes Teddy (Brian Detgen) closed well for second but Giggle Monster was 2 lengths ahead at the wire for his third win in 13 starts on the year for owners Alan & Cheryl Sandbulte and trainer Justin Anfinson.

 

Lemoyne "Mooney" Svendsen was the leader on the night with three wins, while Steve Wiseman and Dean Magee both picked up doubles on the card.

 

The 20 cent Pick-5 jackpot Carryover has grown to $31,010.39 for Sunday night (Sept. 2) and the 50 cent Hi-5 wager also offers a carryover of $3,420.87.