Winning Lyric enjoys victory song

Columbus, MN -The weekly Open Handicap Trot was the $14,000 feature on the Saturday night (July 6) harness racing program at Running Aces, with seven top trotters going in to battle, headlined by Banker Volo (Nick Roland) who was looking for his sixth win in a row, and was favored by the betting public at 7-5.

Banker Volo blasted off of the gate from post seven to quickly establish firm command, with Pridecrest (Steve Wiseman) flashing speed from post five and dropping into the pocket through a :28.3 opening quarter. Banker Volo led comfortably through the middle stages (:57.4, 1:25.4) but began to feel heavy pressure from Winning Lyric (Dean Magee) who was on the attack from first-over. Pridecrest was in the pocket, but as they were rounding for home he rolled off-stride and lost all chance. Winning Lyric had the leader measured as they turned in, and Banker Volo had to settle for second as Winning Lyric trotted strong through the lane to score by 3 ¼ lengths in 1:55, with Bringoverthemoney (Tim Maier) checking in third.

The winner is a 5 year old gelded son of Credit Winner, out of the Yankee Glide mare Naked Lyric. He is owned by Terrence Smith, and is trained by Edward Hernandez, who earned his very first pari-mutuel training victory with this score on Saturday night.

Winning Lyric ($7.20) now has two wins in seven starts this year, and ten career victories, with earnings of $107,216 lifetime.

Driver Dean Magee picked up another Hat-Trick on Saturday, while Nick Roland scored a driving double.

Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Sunday, July 7 with first post at 7 pm (CDT) and a carryover in the 20 cent Pick-5 Jackpot wager of $2,470.76.

By Darin Gagne

for Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack