Apple Crumble runs better in Nebraska

Apple Crumble will try to rebound from a forgettable trip to Prairie Meadows when she heads a field of six 3-year-old fillies in the $20,000 Breeders' Special for Nebraska-breds on Sunday at the Lincoln State Fair.

Apple Crumble was a dominant force when taking the Fonner Park Special Stakes at Grand Island, Neb., and the Princess Stakes at Lincoln earlier this year, winning both races by more than four lengths. She ventured to Prairie Meadows on June 6 for the one-mile Panthers Stakes and dropped out after a half-mile and was eased to the wire.

Trainer Jason Wise returns her to familiar surroundings and Apple Crumble should be favored in this field. Jordan Olesiak will be aboard.

Ms. Bumper would appear the main threat to Apple Crumble after finishing second in the Fonner Special and fourth in the Princess. She has been off since May 10 and tuned up with a sharp half-mile drill in 47.20 seconds on Wednesday. Chris Fackler will again be aboard for trainer Larry Staroscik.

Baby Clam, trained by Bob Rising, is fresh off a strong five-length maiden win locally on June 11 and will also bear watching. Baby Clam was second to Apple Crumble in a maiden race March 13 at Fonner Park. She followed up with another runner-up finish before breaking through with an impressive maiden win here against older statebred company.

Dazzling Izzy, trained by David Anderson, dropped down to $5,000 conditioned claiming company to capture her first win this year. Undefeated in her two starts last year, Dazzling Izzy may be returning to that form but will have her work cut out in this spot.