from Running Aces

Columbus, MN — Running Aces Casino & Racetrack eagerly awaits the commencement of its eighth season this coming Saturday (June 6). The draw for the opening night card will be Tuesday (June 2) with the box closing at 10 a.m. (CDT). The draw for the first Sunday (June 7) program will be on Wednesday (June 3).

Running Aces encourages the use of the USTA Online Entry system for the first time during the 2015 season, but entries can also be submitted in person through the entry box or by calling the race office at 651.925.4575 from 8-10 a.m. Condition sheets can be viewed on either the USTA website or at www.runaces.com under the racing resources tab. Horsemen who wish to receive timely and informative race office texts can sign up by texting to: 55000 with the message: AcesRaces (no spaces).

Five qualifying races were conducted on Saturday (May 30) afternoon with 25 of the 30 horses that went postward able to graduate to the pari-mutuel contests. Quickest winner was Restless Yankee, one of the richest and most popular Minnesota-sired horses ever on the merits of his 46 wins and $278,531 in earnings, who clocked a 1:57.1 mile for driver Lemoyne Svendsen and trainer Bob Lems. Other winners included Stonebridge Lyric (1:58.2), Ding Dong Boy (1:58.3), Imgoodatwhatido (1:59.3) and Flight Elal (2:01).

Eight of the top ten drivers from the 2014 meet at Running Aces are expected to be on hand for 2015’s opening weekend. Perennial leading local drivers Nick Roland, Rick Magee, Tim Maier, Steve Wiseman, Jerry Longo and Mooney Svendsen will be joined by newcomers Luke Plano and Travis Bowman, each of whom have thousands of driving victories.

Five of the top six training stables will be back for the 2015 season, headed by Tim Maier who harnessed 35 winners last year. Other top trainers returning include Nick Roland (33), Steve Wiseman (33), David Flinn (32) and Gene Miller (25). Several prominent new stables calling Running Aces their home this season include Bob Johnson, Luke Plano, Sean Lancaster, Patricia Minella, Jeff Brewer and Rick Lake.

Post time every Saturday and Sunday will be 6 p.m. (CDT). Tuesday night programs begin at 7 p.m., with Wednesdays added to the weekly schedule beginning July 1.

Stalls for the upcoming season are still available at the nearby Drollinger Training Center by calling manager Justin Anfinson at 618.919.0982.

Simulcast directors interested in receiving the Running Aces signal are invited to contact Ben Blum at 651.925.4514.