Horses from nine different states have descended on Running Aces Harness Park in Minnesota to kick off the 54-program live harness meet on Wednesday night (May 28).

The highlight of the initial card is an $8,500 Open Trot featuring horses that made their last starts at Hoosier Park in Indiana, Cal Expo in California, Scioto Downs in Ohio and a fair in Humboldt, Iowa.

Sharpshootennorris has been installed the 5-2 morning line favourite for trainer-driver Steve Wiseman. The 11-year-old gelding has won 45 times and earned $438,892 in his lengthy career. The pride and joy of owner Bette Jean Calice, Sharpshootennorris enters his first fray in Minnesota off two straight wins at Cal Expo.

Natural Forces (to be driven by Kim Pluta), a recent Open-class winner at Hazel Park, is expected to offer stiff competition, as is Axle (Lemoyne Svendsen), Barbazon (Rob Dinning), No Recess (Brandon Jenson) and Quiet Charmer (Jason Ryan).

Running Aces will present programs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday night through August 30.

(Running Aces)