One of the featured events on the Tuesday night (July 25) program at Running Aces was the $8,000 Minnesota-Sired Two-Year-Old Filly Pace, and Ellamennopee ($2.80) stole the show. She put in another dazzling performance for her second straight win, as she delivered as the public's overwhelming choice in the contest.
Ellamennopee, by Voracious Hanover, had defeated male rivals convincingly last week. On Tuesday, after a Post 9 start, driver Steve Wiseman guided the filly off the gate into sixth position.
Ellamennopee was then out and moving first-over at the three-eighths pole. Ellamennopee advanced steadily down the backstretch and took command before the final turn. She remained strong on the point and went on to post a two and three-quarter-length tally in 1:56.2, which lowered her lifetime mark Bertha Vanation (driven by Dean Magee) was very impressive in second and Lippy Doo (Luke Plano) was home in third but well back of the winner. Ellamennopee is owned by Merlin Van Oterloo and trained by Brett Ballinger. Ellamennopee has now recorded two wins and a second-place finish after three lifetime starts.
Ellamennopee, victorious at Running Aces on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 (Dee Leftwich Photo)
The $10,000 Open Handicap Trot saw Banker Volo ($2.20) win by more than 16 lengths in 1:54.2. The $10,000 Mares Open Pace was won by Gold Star Mysti ($4.40) in 1:51.1. The $13,000 Minnesota-Sired Two-Year-Old Trot was won by Bragginade ($4.80) in 2:03.4. Drivers Tim Maier, James Yoder, Rick Magee and Dean Magee all completed driving doubles on the card.
Live racing will return to Running Aces this Saturday night (July 29) with a first post of 6:00 p.m. (CDT) and a carryover in the 20-cent Jackpot Pick 5 wager of $17,404.11.
(With files from Running Aces)