The 2023 meet at Running Aces is fast approaching and management at the track has provided an update of exciting things to look for this racing season at the Minnesota oval.
One of the most notable changes for the new season is that, for the first time, the Running Aces signal will be broadcast in high definition, which will offer off-track players and fans a higher quality viewing experience.
Purses for the 2023 meet are slated to exceed $6.6 million in total, which includes overnight races, late closing events, Minnesota-sired races and Minnesota-sired bonus incentives. Overall, total purses for 2023 will be up by more than eight per cent over the 2022 total purse payout of just over $6.1 million, and are represented by a cumulative daily average of $120,000 per race night.
This year's late closers will boast higher purses in the early rounds, signature events such as the Dan Patch FFA, Ron Banks Memorial FFA and Steve Wiseman Memorial FFA will feature higher elimination purses, and the Minnesota Night of Champions events will go for $65,000 in each division, and there will also be added mid-season events for older Minnesota-sired trotters and pacers.
As always, Running Aces will offer a full calendar of featured events and promotions throughout the racing season as well as nightly specials and promos. The featured event nights benefit important charities in the local community and include popular events like Circus Juventus Night at the Races (June 11), Toys For Joy Night (July 11), Hope 4 Youth Night (July 16) and Whatever It Takes Night (Aug. 13), which benefits The Colon Cancer Coalition.
Each week, Tuesdays will feature the very popular 'Dollar Night' promo as well as free bet drawings, 'Thirsty Thursdays' include great drink specials and the 'Sole Survivor' contest, and Sundays will feature 'Pepsi Family Night' specials and activities as well as drawings for a 60-second wagering spree.
The Aces wagering format remains intact for 2023, save a pair of small changes. The location of one of the track's signature 50-cent Pentafecta or 'Hi-5' offerings will shift from the second-to-last race to now be featured in race four each night, which will allow players more lead time in the event of a carryover. The Superfecta wager from the first leg of the late Pick-4 will also be relocated to take the place of the Hi-5 in the second-to-last race of the night.
Over 250 stalls were recently allocated to approximately 30 different trainers, while an additional 150-plus horses were approved for ship-in racing privileges.
Most of the familiar names and faces of Running Aces are returning for 2023, including defending champion driver Luke Plano and defending champion trainer Maria Alvarez, as well as perennial top five drivers Dean Magee, Rick Magee, Mooney Svendsen and Brady Jenson, and top trainers such as Justin Anfinson, Jessica Johnson, Kathleen Plested, Brett Ballinger, Bob Lems and Gerald Longo, to name a few.
Some new faces are also expected to join the colony this season, including trainer/drivers Todd Warren and Brad Irvine, driver Elson Miller and trainers Tim Wilson Jr. and Rick Cisco, while trainer Daryl Cutting and driver Jacob Cutting are also expected to be returning to Aces this season.
The 2023 barn assignments will be posted on the Running Aces website on Tuesday, April 18. Trainers are reminded that any changes to their respective stable rosters should be updated with the race office before this date.
The full slate of race season specials, promotions and special events can also be found on the Running Aces website. Hotel reservations can also be made directly on the Running Aces website.
The 2023 live racing season gets underway on a Sunday, May 14 and will offer live action every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night throughout the summer. First race post time is 7 p.m. Central.
Important pre-season dates:
- Sunday, April 30 - Barn area opens for season
- Thursday, May 4 - First qualifiers (11:30 a.m.)
- Tuesday, May 9 - Second qualifiers (11:30 a.m.)
Trainers are also reminded that all valid paperwork (current coggins and health certificates required) for all horses must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival at the stable gate. Full details of all requirements can also be found on the website under the 'Horsemen Resources' tab.
Please direct any race season related questions to Racing Director Steve Carpenito via email at [email protected].
(With files from Running Aces)