Photo of Gullfaxi and Jordan Ross by Dean Gillette
Several new series got underway Friday, August 7 over a lightning fast track as more than half of the first 10 races on the program dipped below the 1:51 time barrier. One of those winners was Gullfaxi, driven by Jordan Ross to a victory in the $13,000 Iron Horse Claiming Series.
Gullfaxi began from post one and saved ground early as Brake Ahead and John DeLong sprinted to the lead from the outside. Gullfaxi got away fourth as the first quarter posted at :26.4. The back of the pack came to life before the half in :54.4 led by Bettor B Sirius and Atlee Bender. Quixote and Brandon Bates were flushed out around the final turn.
In the stretch, Quixote took over with Gullfaxi picking up cover behind him. Later in the stretch, Gullfaxi tipped wider and rallied home in :27.2 for the win by two lengths over Quixote. Bettor B Sirius finished third. Both Quixote and Brake Ahead were claimed from the race.
Gullfaxi paid $10.60 for the win. The seven-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Caldwell Mamie Racing of Ohio and trained by Charlie Stewart. Duane Miller and Gene Borkholder bred and raised the gelding, who earned his sixth win of 2026. Overall, he now has 20 wins and more than $230,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:49.2 was taken earlier this year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:49.2.
Stewart was back in the winner’s circle in the very next race in the first round of the Marion Savage claiming series. Sectionlinetwister driven by John DeLong turned in a gate to wire effort for the win by two and three-quarter lengths in 1:50.4, a final quarter in :27.3. Watching Sunset and Kyle Wilfong finished second over Bullville Frank and Brandon Bates.
Sectionlinetwister paid $2.60 for the win as the favorite of the field. The eight-year-old son of Well Said was owned by Nicole Stewart and trained by Charlie Stewart. However, he was claimed from the race by Garcia Power Inc. Sectionlinetwister moves to a new barn with 27 career wins and more than $300,000 in earnings. His win Friday was a new lifetime mark.
