Running Aces opened the 2025 live racing season on Sunday, May 18 to a nice on track crowd who were treated to some very competitive racing over the Minnesota five-eighths mile oval.

Escaper and driver William Mann worked out a perfect pocket trip from post one in the $20,486 Open Trot feature, intently tracking leader Chiplosive (Brady Jenson) throughout moderate early fractions of :29, and :57.2.

Race favourite All Champy (Mooney Svendsen) made a miscue shortly before the half and subsequently was well behind the field.

Chiplosive still had the advantage as they rounded past the three-quarters juncture in 1:27.1, with Escaper still close behind before tipping from the pylons as they turned for home.

Escaper charged alongside the leader through the lane and edged to the lead inside the final sixteenth of a mile before drawing off by 2-1/2 lengths while Greentea (Rick Magee) rallied late to just edge out Chiplosive on the wire for the place position.

A four-year-old son of Muscle Hill - Top Expectations, Escaper scored fourth win of the season for owner Terrence Smith and trainer Maria Alvarez of the Williams Hernandez stable. The win mutuel was $6.80.

For Mann, it was his first trip to the Running Aces winner’s circle. 

Driver Rick Magee led the night with three driving wins and trainer Justin Anfinson sent out two winners on the opening night card.

Live harness racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday, May 20 for the first ‘Dollar Night’ program of the season. $1 hot dogs, chips, sodas and programs are offered on Tuesdays, as well as $2 beers and drawings for free bets.

First post time on Tuesdays is 7 p.m. (CDT) while Thursdays and Sundays get underway at 6 p.m.

(with files from Running Aces)