Jimmy Freight colt takes first mark at Eldon

Harness racing in Iowa is in full swing as two-year-olds make their debut, three-year-olds look to compete as sophomores and aged horses return as crowd favorites.

On Wednesday (6/14) two-year-old pacers and trotters competed at Eldon, IA.  As the evening card commenced, Fengshuiprosperity looked to make her second start a winning one.  With trainer/driver Duane Roland on the bike, Fengshiuprosperity sprinted out to the top.  Leading the field around the track, Fengshiuprosperity held a firm lead at the half.

With stablemates Marced Fox (Jason Ludwig) and Rockumountainlu’au (Royal Roland) in hot pursuit, Fengshiuprosperity was still in front as they hit the top of the stretch.  As the horses hit the wire, it was one-two-three for Duane Roland stable; Fengshiuprosperity for the win in 2:06.2, Marced Fox placed second and Rockmountainlu’au finishing third.

In race two, Rick Huffman trained stablemates Baby Flash (Rob Anderson) and Workn On Eighteen (Chad Svendsen) took to the track, both winners of their previous first starts.  As the gate folded, Workn On Eighteen took the lead and Baby Flash settled in second.

With a perfect pocket trip, Baby Flash waited until past the three-quarter-pole to make a move.  Rounding the last turn, Baby Flash and Workn On Eighteen were stride for stride, trotting for home.  With a last minute effort, Baby Flash captured her second straight win, racing in 2:11.2.

The most anticipated race of the card was the finale, for two-year-old pacers.  With a half-brother to Iowa powerhouse, Minnie Vinnie, making his first start, all eyes were on Curtis Carey trained JJ Freight, colt from the first racing crop from Jimmy Freight.

At the start, Western Chippie (Duane Roland) shot for the lead, but JJ Freight (Adam Hauser) was not content to take the pocket.  Pulling to the outside, JJ Freight overtook Western Chippie and led the field at the quarter-pole.  Pacing around the half-mile track, JJ Freight was still on top past the three-quarters.

Western Chippie tried to make a move on the outside as they raced to the stretch, but JJ Freight did not relent and was in full command as he crossed the finish line, pacing in 2:09 flat, picking up his first lifetime mark.

On Thursday (6/15), Iowa Registered Aged pacers and trotters competed in the opening races.  Not to be outshone by his half-brother, Minnie Vinne (Adam Hauser) was looking for the win also.

Leaving from the 2-hole, Minnie Vinnie charged out to take the lead, with Its A Marcs World (Royal Roland) dropping in second.  Cutting the mile in 29.3, 59.2 and 1:29.2, Minnie Vinnie rounded the last turn with the lead.  Pacing down the lane in 1:58.4, Minnie Vinnie picked up his second straight win for the Curtis Carey stable.

With a winning streak on the line, Rush To The Bank (James Gould) drew the five-hole in race two, featuring Iowa Registered Aged trotters.  Leaving from the rail, I’m Another Wilson (Adam Hauser) secured the lead as Rush To The Bank raced up to take second.

Leading the trotters around the track, I’m Another Wilson was not challenged until Rush To The Bank pulled mid-turn before the top of the stretch.  Trotting towards the wire, Rush To The Bank drew away on the outside, crossing the line in 2:03.2 for his fourth win in a row for trainer Joel McDanel.

Three-year-old pacer, So Over This (Adam Hauser) competed in race five, also looking to continue a win streak.  With a field of seven, So Over This left from the four-hole pushed the gate out of the way to take the lead, parking Greatest Honor (Royal Roland) to the first quarter.

Not relinquishing the rail, So Over This maintained her lead to the half and three-quarters.  With a brush to the finish line, So Over This picked up her second win in a row, pacing in 2:01.4.

Racing resumes on Saturday, June 24th in Allison, Iowa.  Post time is scheduled for 12:30 pm CST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tara Spach, for the Iowa Harness Horsemen’s Association