Columbus, MN — The favorites prevailed in the top two races on the Monday night (July 3) harness racing program at Running Aces.

American Dreamer was sent off as the 8-5 choice in a talented group of eight contenders in the $18,500 Open Handicap Pace, and wasted no time in getting to the front of the affair from post seven.

American Dreamer scored in 1:50.2. Nicole Tate photo.

Driver Todd Warren was on a mission to get the 9-year-old son of American Ideal to the top and they worked a bit to grab the lead from Shamwow (Rick Magee) and then settled into a nice rhythm through the quick early fractions of :26.4 and :54.3. Maui (Mooney Svendsen) had also left alertly from the inside post and secured the third spot and saved ground throughout while Saddle Up (Dean Magee) tried a first-over bid.

American Dreamer kept on rolling and recorded a third panel in :27.3 to keep everyone at bay. He closed his effort out with a :28.1 final stanza to seal the deal for his 30th career win, which came in a time of 1:50.2, while Shamwow held second over Maui.

The winner is owned by Wilson Racing Stable, Ann Calvert and Mark Eichberger and trained by Tim Wilson Jr. along with assistant Jenni DeMenge.

Handsome Harvey (Luke Plano, $5.00) powered to his third straight victory in the $15,000 top conditioned event, with a sharp closing effort in the final quarter to get up over Sneaky Hill (Brady Jenson) and Cheese Omelet (Warren).

His final quarter of :27 was the fastest on the charts for the evening and the mile in 1:51.3 was also a new career mark for the 4-year-old son of Special Forces. The winner is owned by Dave Haness as well as trainer/driver Plano.

Jacob Cutting and Dean Magee led the program with two wins each.

Live racing returns to Running Aces on Thursday (July 6) with first post at 7 p.m. (CDT) and will feature a carryover of $18,707.29 in the Pick-5 Jackpot wager.