Coble Avenue rallies to win Van Berg Derby

COLUMBUS, Neb. - Coble Avenue patiently followed the pace for over six furlongs before launching his rally and drawing off to a 2 3/4-length win in the $10,450 Van Berg Derby on Saturday at Columbus.

With Wilfredo Arroyo aboard, Coble Avenue was sharp in collecting his second straight stakes win at Columbus. He previously won the six-furlong Hall of Fame Stakes over many of the same rivals for trainer Robert Mitzner.

Coble Avenue covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:48 over a good track and returned $6.20 as the co-favorite in the field of six. Conclusive, also sent off a 2-1, moved to challenge after a quarter-mile, then tired in the lane finish fourth. Coble Avenue has won 4 times in his 6 starts this year for earnings of more than $22,000.