Columbus Breeders' Special Stakes kick off Saturday program

Stakes races make up the early daily double on Saturday evening at the Columbus Races as the male and female divisions of the Columbus Breeders' Special Stakes get the holiday weekend into full swing.

A small foal crop in 2011 has made filling 3-year-old Nebraska-bred races a challenge this year. Injuries have also taken their toll with the two most impressive Nebraska-bred stakes winners in the state this year currently on the shelf. As a result, several maidens will be facing winners to open Saturday's card.

Only seven colts and geldings and seven fillies were nominated to the pair of $15,000 stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs but, most of those nominated are running.

The fillies division drew both nominated winners while the colts and geldings division will have three winners in the field. Each race drew six starters.

Breeders' Special (Fillies), race 1

KEY CONTENDERS

Ubetcha Ima Bumper (Last 3 Beyers: 24-0-33)

Won the Fantango Lady Stakes at Horsemen's Park in her career debut after a rough start and was going away at the end under hand urging. Caught a muddy track here in her last on Aug. 9 when second against elders in an entry-level allowance. From the stakes-producing mare Bumperette.

Red Hot N Wild (Last 3 Beyers: 18-0-19)

Won the fillies division of the Fonner Park Special this spring and was third in the Fantango Lady.

Breeders' Special (Colts and Geldings), race 2

KEY CONTENDERS

So Contagious (Last 3 Beyers: 30-40-45)

Runner-up in males division of the Fonner Park Special and also second in the Skunktail Stakes at Horsemen's Park. Comes off a troubled second after drifting out into the first turn here on Aug. 16. Should be ready to improve off that effort.

Chucky Luv (Last 3 Beyers: 23-0-1)

Won after an eventful trip here Aug. 1 when he opened a clear lead and then tried to pull himself up approaching the stretch. Rallied back to win by a half-length against entry-level allowance company. He was third in the Skunktail after being bumped and carried out into the first turn that day at Horsemen's Park.