Luke Plano takes 2 of 3 features at Aces

Columbus, MN – Harness racing driver Luke Plano recorded the first grand-slam of the Aces harness racing meet on Sunday night (June 6) and scored wins in two of the three featured events on the card.

Plano piloted All American N to a gutsy front-running score in the $11,000 Open Handicap trot, turning back tremendous pressure from Aces newcomer May Baby (James Yoder) who hounded the leader from just before the half-mile and took a short lead around the far turn.

As they straightened for home All American N ($35.60) dug down deep to keep fighting the heavy favorite May Baby and was able to fend her off for the victory by a neck in 1:54.3. Pridecrest (Lemoyne Svendsen) got away in the pocket, saved ground throughout and was clearly third best in

the contest. The winner is a 7 year old gelding by Muscle Hill and out of the Dream Vacation mare Great Getaway. The upset victory was his tenth career score and pushed his lifetime earnings just over the $100,000 mark. The winning owner is Jose Cervantes and the winning trainer is Edward Hernandez.

ALL AMERICAN N REPLAY

The $12,500 Minnesota-sired sophomore filly trot went to It’s So Fluffy for her second straight tally, both with Plano in the bike. After getting away second from post four, Plano made an early move to the lead just after the quarter mile and was never in doubt after taking control. The daughter of Banker Volo coasted home to a two length score in a new career best time of 1:59.2 over The Royal Queen (Rick Magee) and Coatofmanycolors (Nick Roland). It’s So Fluffy ($5.80) is owned by Kennedy Roland and trained by Dan Roland.

IT’S SO FLUFFY REPLAY

The $12,500 colts & geldings contest went to Rush To The Bank (Nick Roland) for his tenth consecutive victory. The gelded son of Banker Volo dominated the contest from gate-to-wire and never faced any serious pressure, while stealing an opening half mile in 1:01.2 and then trotting home in :59.3 to complete the mile in 2:01. The winner held a one length margin over Ice Titan (Mooney Svendsen) and SB Sampson’s Ridge (Rick Magee). Rush To The Bank ($2.10) has now won thirteen of 18 career races and $84,158 for owners Jeralene Roland and Vickie Rush. Dan Roland is the winning trainer, and swept both divisions for the second straight week.

Plano also scored wins with Whatevershesgot ($3.60) for trainer Jenni King, and Spectacular Sunset ($2.80) for trainer Ken Rucker to complete the grand slam. Nick Roland also completed a double on the Sunday program.

RUSH TO THE BANK REPLAY

Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday (June 8) with first post at 6:05 pm (CDT) and will feature a carryover in the 20 cent Jackpot Pick-5 wager of $11,309.74 and a Guaranteed Pool in the 50 cent Late Pick-4 wager of $5,000.

For full race results, click here.

By Darin Gagne’, for Running Aces