Columbus, MN — Running Aces hosted a special Friday afternoon (July 3) card, featuring a full field of nine starters for the $6,000 Open for sophomore pacers.

Bunkerhill Phil was a winner by a head in a new career mark of 1:55.3. Dee Leftwich photo.

Night Delight fired fastest from the gate from the far outside draw and easily cleared for command, leading the field all the way into the far turn (:27.2, :58.3 and 1:27.4) before facing strong pressure from Bunkerhill Phil who launched a first-over attack just before the half-mile.

Bunkerhill Phil (Don Harmon) cleared the lead turning for home and Nothinbutagoodtime (Darrel Wright) advanced from the outside cover position while heavy favorite Its A Marcs World (Nick Roland) was blocked behind the tiring pacesetter.

Once clear It’s A Marcs World angled back into the open stretch and flew to the wire, but ran out of racetrack as Bunkerhill Phil had gotten home a winner by a head in a sharp mile and new career mark of 1:55.3. Nothinbutagoodtime was a game third.

Bunkerhill Phil ($12.00) now has 11 career wins and has banked $78,424. He is a gelded son of Vlos out of the Keystone Raider mare River Bend Raider, owned and trained by Gene Miller who is also the breeder.

It was another stellar day at the track for all-time Running Aces leader Nick Roland, who won four of eight races on the day. In race two he recorded his 800th Running Aces driving win.

Driver Lemoyne “Moonie” Svendsen also reorded a driving double.

Live racing returns to Running Aces on Sunday (July 5), with first post at 1 p.m. (CDT) and features a carryover in the Pick-5 Jackpot wager of $4,096.69.