On Sunday (July 15), Running Aces hosted the $15,000 Dan Patch Preview, which featured seven of the top 10 horses from the Dan Patch elims.
After a successful first-over move, the Jeffrey Johnson-trained and Kyle Husted-driven Nuclear Dragon ($5.60) cleared to the lead after the half and went on to post a one and a half-length victory in 1:51.4 for owner Richard Mishkin.
The six-year-old Nuclear Breeze gelding held on to defeat a tracking Bettors Promise (Lemoyne Svendsen), who had been sent off at odds of 34-1. The Dean Magee-driven Nine Ways finished third – more than four length behind the victor – after having also travelled an overland trip.
The $11,000 Open Trot was also a top feature on Sunday, and it was the Kathleen Plested-trained and Steve Wiseman-driven Pridecrest that posted a one and a quarter-length win in 1:55.1.
Running Aces’ Tuesday night (July 17) program will feature a $7,500 guaranteed pool for 50 cent Late Pick-4, and a carryover in the 20 cent Pick-5 of $1,289.85.
This coming weekend (July 21-22) is Dan Patch weekend at Running Aces. The $25,000 Minnesota-Preferred Trot and $25,000 Minnesota-Preferred Pace will take place on Saturday, along with a horse and driver bobblehead giveaway. The $50,000 Dan Patch FFA Final, sponsored by Watch and Wager, will take place on Sunday. Also on Sunday, one lucky fan at the track will win a trip for two to the 2018 Hambletonian.
(With files from Running Aces)