Rock Party rolls at Aces

Columbus, MN – Rock Party (Cantab Hall) came with his ‘A’ game on Sunday night (June 4) at Running Aces, posting an impressive gate-to-wire victory In the $18,500 harness racing feature.

The 6-year-old drew post one in the 9-horse Open Handicap trot and took full advantage of the draw, as driver Todd Warren sent him away from the gate quickly and the pair were able to easily take early control, forcing Natural Kemp (Jacob Cutting) to settle for the pocket while Mind Yown Business (Brandon Jenson) settled away in third.

Rock Party held court over his rivals while posting fractions of :28.3 and :57.2 and turned back a firm challenge from Susie’s Sister (Mel Mullet) during the middle stages of the contest. All American N (Luke Plano) followed cover and then tipped three-wide as they headed for the far turn but Rock Party had already turned up the speed and was two lengths clear as they passed three-quarters in 1:25.3.

Rock Party ($29.20) trotted strong in the lane and was clearly much the best on this night, drawing clear for a four length score in 1:55.1 while All American N landed home in second over Natural Kemp.

The winner is owned by Chupp Racing Stable, Inc. and is trained by Bob Johnson, who had a double on the program.

Iron Sharpens Iron (Banker Volo) advanced to a perfect 3-for-3 in 2023 with a 3-1/4 length tally in the $22,000 Class A division of the Minnesota-sired sophomore trot.

He stopped the timer in 1:57 for his twelfth consecutive win and paid $2.10 as the overwhelming favorite. Luke Plano was the winning pilot for owners Jeralene Roland, Devon Arp, and Alfredo Villarreal and trainer Dan Roland.

Ice Splitter (Ice Machine) recorded his first career win in the $14,500 Class B division, posting a ¾ length score in 1:59.3 (Warren, $5.80) over BP’S Lucky Star while Corona Cobra was well back in third. The winner is owned by Brian Anfinson and is trained by Justin Anfinson.

Minnesota native Lemoyne ‘Mooney’ Svendsen recorded his 4,000^th career driving win when he piloted Dance Traveler ($5.40) to a career best (1:53.1) win in the tenth and final race on the program. Svendsen is one of the most popular drivers at Running Aces and is among the top drivers in the history of the track and has also been a member of the Minnesota Harness Hall Of Fame since 2014.

As he approached the big milestone he stated “I am striving for this milestone not just for me, but for my whole family, and especially for my (late) father”. The winner is owned and trained by Michael Meza.

MOONEY SVENDSEN MILESTONE REPLAY REPLAY

Todd Warren led the Sunday program with 3 driving wins.

Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday night (June 6) with first post at 7 p.m. (CDT).

For complete race results, click here.

by Darin Gagne, for Running Aces