Drivers as hot as temperature in Iowa

Iowa harness racing drivers were as hot as the temperatures in Humboldt, Iowa on Saturday (8/21) and Sunday (8/22).

Race one for two-year-old trotting colts/geldings started off the two-day meet Saturday. Royal Roland and Fox River Luke made a break before the start, but quickly settled into the race. Getting away second, Roland made his move before the half to take command. With no competition in sight, Fox River Luke trotted to victory in 2:08.3, giving Roland his first of two driving wins on the card.

Will Roland started off his driving triple in race two, the first division of two-year-old pacing colts on Saturday (8/21) with CR Dudley. Getting away third from the two-hole, Roland sat patiently as Hankscoltfortyfive (Duane Roland) shot for the lead.

While Handscoltfortyfive and Big Rusty (James Gould) dueled on the front, CR Dudley was pushed back to fourth as horses reached the top of the stretch. With a last quarter in 30.4, CR Dudley crossed the finish line for the win, pacing in 2:03.2.

Chad Svendsen also had a driving double on the day. Svendsen’s first win came in race five, the second division of two-year-old trotting colts/geldings. CR Socks drew the rail and Svendsen took full advantage of the post position. Cutting the mile in 31.3, 1:05.1 and 1:36.3, CR Socks held off all challengers as they raced to the wire, winning in 2:08.3.

Royal Roland and Hangman McGee were looking to return to the winner’s circle in race six, second division of two-year-old pacing colt/geldings. Leaving from the two-hole, Hangman McGee sprinted for the lead.

With quarters in 31.1, 1:05, and 1:36, Roland was saving something for the stretch. Pacing home in 28.4, it was all Hangman McGee for the win, giving Roland a driving double.

In race seven, the second division of two-year-old trotting fillies, Toast The Host looked to keep her winning streak alive. Mark Mintun, owner/trainer/driver, grabbed the lines and asked for some trot as Toast The Host left the gate. First quarter in 31.1, Toast The Host was up by two lengths.

Maintaining her lead, Toast The Host was on cruise control, racing to the half in 1:02.4 and the three-quarters in 1:33.2. Still up on the field by over a length, Toast The Host trotted to the finish line as the crowd cheered her on.

Last quarter in 30.4, Mintun and Toast The Host celebrated her sixth win in a row, trotting her mile in 2:04.1.
Svendsen picked up his driving double in race nine, Iowa four-year-old and older Trot. Driving CR Valentine, they went gate-to-wire for the victory, trotting in 2:05.1.

Will Roland gained his second driving win with Faithfulfilly in race three, after the disqualification of Afterglow Machine (Elvin Zimmerman). Still looking for another win, Roland drove Jonisaidso through a maze of traffic to pick up his driving triple in race twelve, two-year-old non-winner pacers.

Svendsen, Adam Hauser and Duane Roland were on track for multiple wins on Sunday (8/22) at Humboldt.

The first division of three-year-old trotting colt/geldings was contested in race two. Trainer/driver Adam Hauser sat behind I’m Another Wilson in the three-hole. Straight to the top, I’m Another Wilson took the lead, but Searching For You (Chad Svendsen) was searching for the lead as well.

Sitting in the pocket, I’m Another Wilson let Searching For You cut the mile. Turning for home, Hauser asked for a little more trot and I’m Another Wilson stretched a neck for the win in 2:03 flat.

Owner/trainer/driver Duane Roland drove Always Choose Chip to a new lifetime mark in race three, three-year-old pacing filly division. As the starter folded the gates, Welltheraceison (Will Roland) raced for the lead. Always Choose Chip sat in her back as they made their way to the half. Taking over at the three-quarter-pole, Always Choose Chip chose another gear, winning in 2:01.3 by two and a half lengths for a new lifetime mark.

In race five, the second division of three-year-old pacing colts/geldings, Svendsen was up on Imoutthedoor from the five-hole. Cutting the mile in 28.4, 57.4 and 1:29.4, Imoutthedoor slammed the door on the competition as he picked up the win in 1:59.2.

May Day Maggie and Svendsen looked to gain another win for trainer Joel McDanel in race seven. With the three-hole assignment, May Day Maggie pushed the gate out of her way. Fractions in 30, 1:01.2, and 1:32.3, May Day Maggie led the field of three-year-old pacing fillies around the track. With a lead of over four lengths, May Day Maggie crossed the line for Svendsen’s second win of the day, the mile in 2:01.4.

Duane Roland got his driving double behind Iowa titan, Roland N Rock. Battling his perpetual foe in the four-year-old and older pace, Roland N Rock let Minnie Vinnie (Will Roland) set the pace from the start. Pulling past the half from third, Roland N Rock made up ground to overtake the leader. Gaining the lead and rockin down the lane, Roland N Rock picked up his third win on the season in 1:59 flat.

Hauser and Munchkin looked to see if the Humboldt “yellow-brick-road” led to the winner’s circle. Racing from the two-hole in race eleven, three-year-old non-winner trotters, Munchkin trotted for his first lifetime win in 2:11 and Hauser’s driving double.

Svendsen had to wait for the last race to secure a driving triple. Shetalksaboutmoney paced home for the win in 2:06.3 in the last division of three-year-old pacing non-winners.

Iowa Harness Racing resumes on Saturday (8/28) and Sunday (8/29) at What Cheer, Iowa. Post time on both days is set for 12:30pm CDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Tara Spach, for the  IaHHA