Coble Avenue tries elders at Columbus

Coble Avenue, a 3-year-old, seeks his fifth straight win as he takes on elders in the closing-day feature at Columbus, the $10,000 Labor Day Stakes for older horses going 6 1/2 furlongs.

Coble Avenue has won both the Hall of Fame Stakes and the Van Berg Derby in his two starts here. Trained by Robert Mitzner, he was claimed by his connections for $5,000 in July at Anthony Fair in Kansas and has remained on a roll, winning 4 of his 5 starts this year. Wilfredo Arroyo has the return mount.

Coble Avenue surprised in his first start here in the Hall of Fame Stakes on Aug. 1 when he rallied from near the back of the field to draw clear at 10-1. Stretching out to a mile and 70 yards in the Van Berg Derby, he again came from well back to draw clear as the 2-1 second choice, and could well be sent off the favorite in this spot.

Defending champion First Class Brass is still seeking his first win of the year, although he has been stakes placed on several occasions this year. First Class Brass was most recently a solid fourth against open allowance company here Aug. 22 for trainer Kelli Martinez.

Seaside Links won that allowance race, and should be in close attendance to the pace of this race. A three-time winner this year from nine starts, Seaside Links will have Luis Ranilla aboard.