Columbus, MN — The Sunday night (Aug. 13) program at Running Aces was highlighted by the 2023 Steve Wiseman Memorial Trot final which saw a talented and accomplished field of nine square-gaiters line up to battle for $35,000 in purse money.

The fastest elimination winner from last week, Rock Party (Dean Magee), was sent off as the 8-5 favorite while Scorecard Dan (Jacob Cutting) was given a 5-2 chance by the public and Perlucky was the next choice at 5-1 on the board.

Perlucky dug in gamely and prevailed by a neck in 1:54.3. Nicole Tate photo.

Brad Irvine had the controls on Perlucky and they took full advantage of the rail draw, leaving the gate with plenty of early speed to secure the front while Scorecard Dan also left alertly to secure the pocket and Bringoverthemoney (Mooney Svendsen) landed in third. Winnerup (Luke Plano) was caught outside from post eight and relegated to a first-over journey through the solid early fractions in :27.2 and :56 but failed to make much of an impression on the leaders.

Perlucky continued to lead comfortably through the final turn over Scorecard Dan and Bringoverthemoney as Rock Party got underway from second-over but was stalled behind a tiring Winnerup. In the stretch Scorecard Dan shook free from the pocket and came after the leader while big longshot Chiplosive (Brady Jenson) advanced into the passing lane which resulted in a thrilling three-way battle to the wire.

Perlucky (Lucky Chucky) dug in gamely to hold off both challengers and prevailed by a neck in 1:54.3 over Chiplosive with Scorecard Dan a neck further back in third.

It was the third win of the season and 36th career win for Perlucky ($13.60) for owner Thestable Perlucky Group. The winning trainer is Bob Lems. Perlucky now boasts $685,984 in career earnings.

The $2 exacta (1-7) returned a robust $496.80 while the $2 trifecta (1-7-5) paid out a hefty return of $4,678.20.

Driver Brady Jenson had quite a night at the races on Sunday, posting five wins, one second and two thirds from nine trips to the gate.

Jenson’s winners included Peter’s Royalty ($8.20), Pecorino ($18.60), Wilamar Spark ($7.00), Lovin On You ($6.00) and Grab N Go ($8.00). Three of his five wins were for trainer Jose Castillo, and two of them for owner Dave Dobbelmann.

Live racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday night (Aug. 15) with a nine-race program and ‘Dollar Night’ specials. The specials start at 6 p.m. and the first race is slated for 7 p.m. (CDT).