Columbus MN — Jack Rabbit Slims (Muscle Hill) was the talk of the toteboard at 1-2 in the opening night feature at Running Aces, and he did not disappoint his many backers, coming up big and delivering an impressive gate-to-wire tally by one length to kick off his 2024 Minnesota campaign in style.

Jack Rabbit Slims was never in doubt in the Aces opening night feature. Nicole Tate photo.

Trainer/driver Luke Plano did not waste any time in sending the 5-year-old gelding to the front of the $15,500 Open Handicap Trot field, surging from the gate from post five in the six horse contest to grab the lead from fellow leavers Dylan The Great (Jacob Cutting) and Warrawee Whisper (Brady Jenson) as they reeled off a :28.2 opening quarter.

Once on the lead, Plano settled his charge into a nice rhythm and they stole a second quarter breather of :29.3 while their rivals played follow the leader. Down the backside driver Dean Magee launched to the outside from fifth with Yo Lucky Moni to establish an outer flow and second betting choice Pridecrest (Mooney Svendsen) picked up the cover as the compact field headed around the far turn. Jack Rabbit Slims kept to task and remained on top through and past the 1:27.3 three-quarter clocking while the field tightened further near the top of the stretch.

In the lane the leader continued to trot strong while Yo Lucky Moni surged past rivals on the outside and Dylan The Great charged up the inside but Jack Rabbit Slims had saved plenty for the finish and held safe to the wire for the 1:56.3 victory. Yo Lucky Moni checked in second while Dylan The Great was a clear third.

The winner is owned by Chris Schick. He now shows three wins on the season and 12 career wins, with lifetime earnings of $113,169.

Drivers Rick Magee, Mooney Svendsen, and Luke Plano and trainers Williams Hernandez and Justin Anfinson all registered doubles on the opening night card.

Live racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday night (May 21) with first post at 7 p.m. (CDT) and will feature a pair of carryovers: $2,542.50 for the 50-cent Hi-5 (race four) and $1,641.86 for the 20-cent Pick-5 Jackpot (race four).