Columbus, MN – The featured event on the Wednesday afternoon Harness Racing program at Running Aces was the $9,000 Open Handicap Trot, headlined by heavy 2-5 favorite Mandeville (Nick Roland) who was looking to extend a two race winning streak and was returning to action off of 22 days rest.

After two scratches reduced the field to five, Mandeville got to move in two spots on the gate and was fastest off the car from the outside spot. Justlikehim (Jacob Cutting) also left alertly from post four and got away second, but after sensing the slow early tempo (:29 and :58.3) went on the attack before the half mile.

Mandeville wins for Nick Roland at Running Aces. Dee Leftwich Photo.

Justlikehim was parked and pressuring the leader all the way to deep stretch, but Mandeville ($2.80) was able to fend him off and post a gate-to-wire victory by one length in 1:55.3 with Magic Mvp (Chris Scicluna) getting up right at the wire to snag second away from Justlikehim.

Mandeville now has seven wins in twelve outings this year. He eclipsed the quarter-million dollar mark in career earnings ($254,169) with today’s victory.
Gerald Longo is the winning owner and trainer.

Trainer Alexia Kehl swept both divisions of the two year old Open Trot, scoring in the first $4,500 division with filly Sunny P (Dean Magee, $8.40) in 2:08.2 for her first lifetime win for owners Neil Goldstein and Mercedes Cabrera.

In the second $4,500 division, Kehl was victorious with her own gelding Oh Danny Boy (Darrell Wright, $9.80) who also picked up his first lifetime win with a one length tally in 2:03.2.

Driver Nick Roland led the Wednesday program with three winners and Dean Magee registered a driving double.

Live Racing returns to Running Aces on Saturday (September 19) with first post at 1:00 p.m. CDT and will feature a carryover in the 20 cent Pick-5 Jackpot wager of $10,993.47.