Albacore Bob may have fitness edge

Albacore Bob, the pacesetter of the Prairie Mile Stakes at Prairie Meadows in his last start, may rate a slight edge in a compact and speed-filled field of five going one mile in the $17,500 State Fair Derby at Lincoln.

The field is heavy with early speed and could easily turn into a test of fitness and experience, which would work to the advantage of Albacore Bob. Trained by Steve Irlando, he has been racing steadily since December and captured the Zany Tactics Stakes at Turf Paradise in March. Albacore Bob was given a freshener after that six-furlong race and returned to finish second in the Golden Circle at Prairie Meadows on May 2.

Although he tired in the Prairie Mile to finish seventh, Albacore Bob should have the stamina to carry his speed the three turns of this one-mile test with Mike Ziegler aboard.

Kick Rocks, trained by Amber Slack, was a maiden winner here going a mile on May 17, then was narrowly beaten against $10,000 lifetime conditioned claimers in his following start at Prairie Meadows. Damon Leeds will be aboard.

Conclusive has shown speed in all of his starts, including an entry-level allowance win by more than seven lengths here June 4. Trained by Kim Veerhusen, Conclusive will be making his first start beyond six furlongs. Jesus Ponce will be aboard with the task of trying to ration his speed.

A. J.'s Turn and Sligo Incognito round out the field. A. J.'s Turn tired in his only attempt going a distance against entry-level allowance company at Fonner Park in April. Sligo Incognito appears to be the only true closer in the field; he rallied to win his maiden last out for a $10,000 tag going a mile.