Columbus: Lali's Cat faces challenge

Older horses get their last chance at a stakes victory in Nebraska in the $15,000-added Labor Day Stakes going 6 1/2 furlongs at Columbus.

Lali's Cat is the defending champion of the Labor Day, but he will have his work cut out in this evenly matched field. Lali's Cat was claimed by Bill Isburg for $6,500 in his last start here, a 6 1/2-length romp for his second straight win. Jerry Carkeek has the mount in a speed-laden field where the late kick of Lali's Cat should be most effective.

Hez Comin Thru, runner-up in this race last year, is riding a streak of four straight wins that includes the President's Cup Handicap on June 18 and the State Fair Board Handicap at July 4, both at Lincoln. The distance suits Hez Comin Thru. Dennis Collins will ride for trainer Dan Coughlin.

Toubeeb is a new arrival from Assiniboia Downs for trainer Jennifer Jordan. Toubeeb is a speedy sort who could give Hez Comin Thru all he can handle on the lead. He comes off a second-place finish against $8,000 company in Canada on Aug. 27 and will have Larren Delorme aboard.

With an abundance of speed in the field to set up closers, Frogman Henry, from the barn of Patty Jo Braden, can pull an upset here. Frogman Henry has been facing this kind of company for most of the summer and has racked up five runner-up finishes along with his pair of early season wins. The distance looks right up his alley, and R.D. Williams will be aboard.