Carolina Major (left), driven by Robert Sullivan, pulled away Saturday to edge Carolina Sunshine, driven by B. Webb, in the Burger King race in Aiken. CHRIS THELEN/STAFF

So when McGhee touted 3-year-old trotter Tom Bruce to be the horse to watch in the Aiken Harness Races early in the week, the Dr. J. Bruce Wenger-owned trotter immediately became a favorite.

The final leg of the Aiken Triple Crown came to a close Saturday with the harness races at McGhees' Mile Standardbred Training Center.

More than 4,500 people watched Tom Bruce capture the Daisy Black-Austin Trot in 2:11, recording the fastest trotter time of the day on the one-mile track.

Driven by Harold Dick, Tom Bruce led from start to finish, shaking off a late challenge from DD's Noteworthy to take the win by a full length.

As a 2-year-old, Tom Bruce set a track record at Scioto in Columbus, Ohio, by running a 1:59.

``He was the second best two-year-old in the state of Ohio last year,'' said Jim Larente, who trained Tom Bruce. ``The way he's trained all year, he might be first best this year. He can trot.''

Larente also earned success in the driver's seat, claiming the featured Miller Lite Dash on South Land in 2:06, garnering the second fastest pacer time on the day.

While Tom Bruce came in boasting a successful resume, South Land had not opened as many eyes, going winless in 11 races a year ago. But Larente, who owns the 3-year-old, hasn't been dissatisfied with the progress of the pacer.

Coming down the final stretch in a deadlock with Arts Regards, South Land spread the gap to take a half-length victory.

``He just doesn't know how to race,'' Larente said. ``He was loafing for a while, kind of relaxed. I tapped him one time and didn't get a response. Then all of a sudden he just took off. You could tell he wasn't going to let anyone catch him. That's a good sign of a race horse. We're right on schedule with him.''

Bill Arthurs also completed a successful day, capturing two races as a driver and three as a trainer.

But probably the most excited about the way the day ended was Michael Caruso, who owns, trains and drives Mister Breezy Days. He took a victory in the Bank of America Race.

Caruso, who has only been training standardbreds for two years, got off to a fast start, finishing with the best time of the day at 2:03.

``I'm really happy with this,'' Caruso said. ``I didn't expect it, but all credit goes to the McGhees for providing such a top-notch facility. We're grateful to a lot of people. This was a great day.''

Aiken Harness Races

Security Federal Race: 1. Just Another Girl 2:25, Bill Arthurs (driver, trainer), Ed Morgan (owner); 2. Cupid's Song; 3. Armbro Wine.

Burger King Race: 1. Carolina Major 2:17, Robert Sullivan (driver, trainer), Max C. Willis (owner); 2. Carolina Sunshine; 3. Carolina Prince.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers Dash for Cash: 1. C.S.I. Sweet Tea 2:14, Frank Todd Jr. (driver), Tubie Wilson (trainer), Tom Simpson (owner); 2. Carolina Buddy; 3. Penn Speedy.

USCA Pacers Race: 1. Humphrey Bogart 2:18, Bill Arthurs (driver, trainer), John Mondrick (owner); 2. Roca Suave; 3. Canaco Lauzon.

Miller Lite Dash: 1. South Land 2:06, Jim Larente (driver, trainer), Charter Oak Stable (owner); 2. Arts Regards; 3. Carolina Kenny.

WEB SITES  •HorseCity.com  •AugustaFuturity.com  •BarrelHorses.com  •NBHA.com

Daisy Black-Austin Trot: 1. Tom Bruce 2:11, Harold R. Dick (driver), Jim Larente (trainer), Dr. J. Bruce Wenger (owner); 2. DD's Noteworthy; 3. Carolina Wayne.

Bank of America Race: 1. Mister Breezy Days 2:03, Michael F. Caruso (driver, trainer, owner); 2. Davids Rainbow; 3. Carolina Haley.

Aiken Coca Cola Race: 1. Kassie Koal 2:08, Jill Johnson (driver), Bill Arthurs (trainer), Carol Gilbert (owner); 2. Don't Get Sand In It; 3. Carolina Pedew.

Reach Patrick Green at (706) 724-0851.