by Gregg Keidel for Running Aces

Columbus, MN — Driver Rick Magee and the Van Otterloo Stable of Rock Valley, Iowa, can’t wait for the 2012 live racing season at Running Aces Harness Park to commence this coming Wednesday night. Magee won six of the seven qualifiers staged Saturday morning including five owned by the Van Otterloo Stable.

Quickest of the Van Otterloo winners was Chewy Baca, a 3-year-old Minnesota-sired son of Restless Yankee, who triumphed in 1:58.2. The others were pacers Plum Crazy Baby, Oompa Loompa, I O One and the trotter Al Mar Peggy Sue.

Magee’s other tally came with Fire On Ice, owned by Robert Gergum of Wisconsin.

The only thing preventing Magee from a perfect slate was the fifth race of the qualifying session which was won by Dagota, a nice 3-year-old filly owned by Eugene Sturdivant of Missouri and driven by Kerry Banks.

Trainers are reminded that the draw for Wednesday’s Opening Night program is Sunday morning with the entry box closing at 10 AM (CST).

Simulcast Directors interested in receiving the Running Aces signal this summer are urged to contact Mutuel Manager Ben Blum at 651-925-4514 or via email at bblum@runningacesharness.com.

Running Aces will present programs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday nights at 7 PM and Sunday nights at 6 PM (CST) between June 6 and September 3.