from Running Aces Harness Park

Columbus, MN — A record mutuel handle and new track records in three categories highlighted the Sunday night (June 26) card at Running Aces.

The new 7 p.m. Sunday night post time is being well received as the $183,856 pushed through the windows was an all-time high at the track in Minnesota, besting the old record set exactly one week ago.

On the track, an all-time trotting mark was established by Rompaway Brandon (Dan Maier), who was winning the $8,000 Open Trot for the third straight week, this time in front-stepping fashion in 1:56. The mile by the Linda Magnusson owned and trained 5-year-old gelding lowered the best ever trot at Running Aces by almost two seconds. Previously, the fastest trotting mile was a 1:57.3 qualifying effort by My Victory Song. The pari-mutuel best of 1:58 was shared by DW’s Perky Joe and Teleios.

Restless Yankee gave driver Craig Banks his 997th career victory in the $9,000 Open Pace, establishing a new track standard for 4-year-old geldings of 1:52.3. The old record of 1:53.4 belonged to Delco Willobee for over a year, but he was the runner-up in this year’s record mile. Restless Yankee was moving up from Minnesota-restricted races to Open company and handled the jump in style, popping out of the pocket at the head of the stretch and throwing a :27.1 final panel for the victory. He is owned by Ron Emerson and Mark Holtan.

The track standard for 4-year-old trotting mares also fell on Sunday when Candy Is Dandy won a $5,000 conditioned trot in 1:58.2 for driver Rick Magee and owners Ulf and Susan Holm-Johansen. It was the second win in three local outings for the daughter of Revenue S. Carol Jean held the best previous mark of 1:59 in the category.

Racing at Running Aces resumes Tuesday night (June 28) with another 7 p.m. (CDT) post time.