Columbus: Slight edge to 'David'

COLUMBUS, Neb. - What About David aims for his second stakes win of the meet when he faces a tough field of six entered in the $10,000-added Labor Day Handicap at the Columbus Races.

The field for the 6 1/2-furlong race may be small, but the quality of competition is high, as Watch Me Dazzle, Iowa invader Blue Eyed Tiger, and Thundering Verzy are all capable of winning.

Trained by Andy Johnson, What About David has stepped up from $6,500 claiming company this year to move through his allowance conditions and finally into stakes company. He picked up his first stakes win in the Amadevil Handicap here Aug. 8.

Jerry Carkeek has the mount on What About David, the 122-pound highweight, from post 6.

Thundering Verzy makes his first appearance since racing at Horsemen's Park in July. Trained by Phil Storms, the 3-year-old Thundering Verzy, who has has three stakes wins this year, will get his first taste of older company and he should be ready for the test. Armando Martinez has the ride from post 3 under 119 pounds.

Blue Eyed Tiger will invade from Prairie Meadows for trainer Ray Tracy as he makes a step back up into stakes company. He handled $6,500 claiming company in Iowa in mid-July when he romped home by 13 1/4 lengths, but his last two outs, both at the $15,000 claiming level, have been forgettable. Another with plenty of early speed, Blue Eyed Tiger will carry Dan Beck from post 4 under 116 pounds.

Watch Me Dazzle will be a late-running threat and should have a good pace to set up his closing kick. He was a closing second to What About David in the Amadevil Handicap in his last out.