The Batista Bomb wins second straight in Amadevil

COLUMBUS, Neb. - The Batista Bomb grabbed his second straight win at the meet with a $15.20 upset in Saturday's $15,550 Amadevil Stakes for older Nebraska-breds at Columbus on Saturday evening.

The Batista Bomb gained a clear lead after a quarter-mile in the six-furlong race, then settled back as a duel unfolded in front of him. With even-money favorite Blumin Attitude joining the battle early, The Batista Bomb stayed inside to drop a couple lengths off the lead through the far turn then rallied back to wear that one down and prevail by a short head in 1:13.40 over a fast track. Skwhirl rallied from last to gain third, another half-length behind the top pair.

Armando Martinez was aboard for wife Kelli Martinez, who trains the winner. The Batista Bomb had previously won here Aug. 1 in a $10,000 claiming race at 6 1/2 furlongs. His first career stakes win moved his lifetime mark to 6-2-1 from 22 starts for earnings of just over $45,000.