from Running Aces Harness Park

Columbus, MN — A classy track record-holding mare and a maiden mare shared the spotlight as Running Aces Harness Park conducted its first qualifying session on Wednesday morning (May 18) in anticipation of opening night on May 31. A total of 37 horses qualified from the 44 that went to post in seven qualifying races.

Dandy Di, a 6-year-old Minnesota-bred who owns the track record of 1:53.1 for older mares, breezed to an easy front-running win in 1:59.3 including a final quarter in :27.4. Nick Roland guided the daughter of RC’s Sammy for owner-trainer Bob Lems of Canton, S.D. Dandy Di, who has 21 lifetime victories and has banked $139,712 in her career, was one of just five horses in the qualifiers that had faced a starting gate in 2011. She recorded a 1:54 score at Dover Downs in late March.

The very first qualifier was won by Kristy’s Keen, a 4-year-old maiden mare who has made just four lifetime starts. She also sped to a 1:59.3 score for owners Lawrence and Helen Jensen of Spencer, Wis., and driver Will Roland.

Fastest trotter on the day was Larkspurs Star who notched a front-stepping 2:04.3 victory for owner Myron Kauppi of Ironwood, Mich., and driver Bob Lems.

Other qualifying race winners were Fritter (Rick Magee), Willshebelucky (Josh Banks), HF Ariel (Nick Roland) and Hot Laps (Rick Magee).

The next qualifying session at Running Aces will be Wednesday, May 25, with a 4 p.m. (CDT) post time. Entries should be called in by 10 a.m. on Tuesday (May 24).