Dan Patch FFA, mandatory pay Pick-5 updates

Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack presents an 11-race harness racing program on Sunday (Jul. 23) which will feature the track’s signature pacing event, the $50,000 Dan Patch Free-for-All Final as well as a mandatory payout in the 20-cent Pick-5 wager.

The Pick-5 Jackpot was hit on Thursday night (July 20) with one lucky winner collecting $37,402.64.

The pool for Sunday’s 20-cent Pick-5 is estimated at over $10,000.

The Dan Patch Final is carded as race seven and will serve as the first leg of the pick five wager. Elimination winners Crooked Smile (5-2) and American Dreamer (3-1) are the top two favorites on the morning line and are likely to be the top two favorites at post time. Todd Warren had his choice of the pair and opted to drive Crooked Smile, who drew post five in the final. The 6-year-old gelding by Panther Hanover was a one-length winner in his elimination split in 1:52.

American Dreamer (American Ideal) posted a 2-3/4 length tally in his elimination division in 1:49.2 becoming the fastest ever at Running Aces and drew post three. Both of the top two morning line picks are trained by Tim Wilson, Jr. and assistant Jenni DeMenge. Brad Irvine has been tapped to pilot 31-time winner American Dreamer.

He’zzz A Wise Sky and Driver Jacob Cutting were a very respectable second in last week’s track record mile, and held the record themselves (1:50) for 5 weeks prior to that. They have drawn post eight in the Final and are listed at 9-2 on the early line. Trainer John Filomeno sends out the 6-year-old son of Yankee Skyscraper.

Here is a look at the complete field for the $50,000 Dan Patch FFA Final:

1. Saddle Up (Dean Magee) 8-1
2. Mac’s Marvel (Luke Plano) 6-1
3. American Dreamer (Brad Irvine) 3-1
4. No Lou Zing (Kevin Wallis) 9-2
5. Crooked Smile (Todd Warren) 5-2
6. PD The Big Easy (Nick Roland) 10-1
7. Shamwow (Rick Magee) 12-1
8. He’zzz A Wise Sky (Jacob Cutting) 9-2

The Dan Patch night festivities feature a Fanny Pack giveaway, Pepsi Family Night specials and activities, Food Trucks, and Drawings for gift prizes and Betting Vouchers. Specials start at 6 p.m. and the first race is set for 7 p.m. (CDT).

by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces