Columbus, MN — Top level trotters were featured on the Sunday night (July 11) harness racing program at Running Aces, with two Open Handicap fields going postward on the eight-race card.

Hearduwhispermynam just got up on the wire by a nose in 1:56.2 for a seasonal mark. Dee Leftwich photo.

The $12,000 Open Handicap event was scratched down to a talented field of four and Mandeville (Nick Roland) was fastest off of the gate to get the first call at the :29.3 quarter-mile before Bordogna (Rick Magee) made a quick move for the lead before the three-eighths marker.

Bordogna then controlled the tempo and posted a middle half in a moderate :58.3 while Pridecrest (Mooney Svendsen) challenged for the lead and Mandeville and Hearduwhispermynam (Brady Jenson) saved ground.

Bordogna led the field into the stretch and trotted strong to the wire, but Hearduwhispermynam ($13.20) and Jenson angled to the far outside with a furious late charge to just get up on the wire by a nose in 1:56.2 for a seasonal mark.

Jenni King is the winning owner and trainer for the 4-year-old son of Braggart, who now has 13 career wins and has banked $114,577.

The $9,300 Open II Handicap went to SD Eliminator (Brian Detgen) who got away sixth from post three in a bulky nine horse field. Bringthegold (Luke Plano) made the sharp early fractions (:27.4 and :56.4) while Major Al-mar (Jacob Cutting) applied heavy pressure and Teachmehowtotory (Nick Roland) sat the pocket. Bringoverthemoney (Mooney Svendsen) came first-up down the backstretch and SD Eliminator picked up the live cover.

As they straightened for the wire, SD Eliminator surged up to take the lead while Teachmehowtotory closed in the passing lane and French Eclipse rallied down the center of the track. SD Eliminator ($47.40) was fastest to the wire in a thrilling finish in 1:57, checking in 1-1/4 lengths ahead of Teachmehowtotory and French Eclipse for a new career mark.

The winning owners are Sarah Solheid and Detgen, who is also the trainer.

Driver Luke Plano registered a double on the Sunday program.

Live racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday night (July 13) with first post at 6:05 pm (CDT) and will feature a pair of carryover pools: $1,545.38 in the 20-cent Pick-5 Jackpot and $3,184.02 in the 50-cent Hi-5.