Columbus: Shippers galore

COLUMBUS, Neb. - You won't normally find half the members of a field of eight shipping in for a $10,000-added handicap at Columbus.

But that's the case in the 6 1/2-furlong Bill Callihan Handicap, in which five of the eight fillies and mares entered made their last start out of state or at Horsemen's Park in Omaha.

Missy Can Do, a two-time stakes winner this year, should be all the early speed and a lukewarm favorite, even though she comes off a sixth-place finish in the $40,000 Iowa State Fair Stakes on Aug. 21. She carries high weight of 120 pounds and has Dennis Collins to ride from post 2 for trainer Joe Thomas.

Miss Guts was well traveled last year, making starts in California, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Kansas. Even though she went winless, she earned over $50,000 and has a dangerous stalking style when she is at her best. She is lightly raced this year, with a tiring last-place finish at Delta Downs in January and then a layoff until last month's Iowa State Fair, in which she was seventh, four lengths behind Missy Can Do. Ray Tracy will bring in Jason Eads to ride under 114 pounds from post 6.

Flaming Night could also vie for the role of favorite. Her last start came at Canterbury Park in the Claiming Crown Glass Slipper, and she overcame a bad start to run third. Alex Granda has the call from trainer Brian Roberts at 119 pounds from post 8.

Run Around Sue captured the Falls Amiss Handicap at Horsemen's Park in July, then finished fifth against allowance company over the turf at Canterbury in her last start. Trainer Don Cheloha has Lee Sensenbach named to ride at 119 pounds from post 3.

Gotta Jiboo is the selection in this wide-open affair. Trained by Jim Compton, Gotta Jiboo easily handled $15,000 claiming types here Aug. 21, when she drew off under only mild urging for a 5 1/4-length win. Jerry Carkeek has the mount under 118 pounds from post 5.