The fields are set for the opening card of the 2025 harness racing season at Running Aces, which will be the 18th season at the Minnesota oval. A total of nine races will be contested on Sunday night, May 18 with the action getting underway at 6 p.m. (CT).
Trotters take center stage on Sundays at Running Aces and the opening night feature is the $14,750 USD Open Trot, which drew a competitive field of six starters who have 132 combined wins.
The nine-year-old Explosive Matter gelding Chiplosive has been tabbed as the 5-2 morning line choice and will be looking for his first win of the season with Aces defending champion driver Brady Jenson in the bike for trainer Maria Alvarez. Yo Lucky Moni also hails from the Alvarez barn and comes into the event showing back-to-back wins in his most recent starts, including a 1:56.1 score at The Big M on April 25. He is the second pick on the early line at 3-1 and will have Williams Hernandez at the controls.
Dylan The Great has garnered 7-2 respect as the third pick and sports a sharp 1:54.4 victory last out at Cal Expo. He will be guided by Sean Smithpeters and will try to notch his fifth win of the year for trainer Alexia Kehl.
All Champy gets some strong consideration as well with a 4-1 listing. This classy competitor is in search of his 49th career win and has been knocking at the door in recent races in California. He has not been off the board in 10 starts so far in 2025. Minnesota Hall of Famer Lemoyne “Mooney” Svendsen will be in the sulky.
There is also a nice field of seven competitors assembled for a high-end conditioned trot event, going for $9,000 USD in race eight. Warawee Whisper is set as the 3-1 early favourite in that contest and will make his first start since late March for trainer/driver Brady Jenson.
The wagering menu remains very similar to recent years and features a 20-cent Jackpot Pick-5, two 50-cent Pick-4 wagers and two to three Pick-3 offerings, as well as two Pentafecta opportunities per night. The 50-cent Late Pick-4, which kicks off with the feature race (race six), offers a $3,000 guaranteed pool.
The 2025 season offers action three nights per week on Tuesdays (7 p.m. CT) and Thursdays and Sundays (6 p.m. CT) through mid-September.
Running Aces offers free admission and free parking and there are always nightly specials and promotions. Sundays at Running Aces are "Pepsi Family Night" with children's activities as well as the popular “Sole Survivor” handicapping contest. Tuesday nights are "Dollar Night" with $1 USD hot dogs and $2 USD draft beers offered as well as “Free Bet Frenzy” drawings. “Thirsty Thursdays” are also popular and offer great drink specials as well as free tastings of featured spirits and a chance to win a free betting spree.
The racing season is also replete with special event nights throughout the summer ranging from live interactive reptile displays, circus night, Christmas in July and much more. For the full racing schedule and list of special events, visit the track's website runaces.com.
(Running Aces)