Conclusive scores in State Fair at Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. - Conclusive shook off his challengers after a half-mile and drew off for a 4 1/4-length win in Saturday's $17,500 State Fair Derby at Lincoln State Fair.

Ridden by Jesus Ponce, Conclusive was never challenged in the final quarter-mile and held his margin under hand urging as trainer Kim Veerhusen claimed his first stakes win at the meet. Conclusive returned $4.20 as the narrow second choice in the short field of five.

Albacore Bob, the 4-5 favorite, failed to get untracked and finished fourth, some 16 lengths back, as Sligo Incognito rallied to claim second.

The win was the second straight at Lincoln for Conclusive, who previously dominated an entry-level allowance field by more than seven lengths. He covered the mile in 1:40 flat over a dull surface that had been upgraded to fast earlier in the day.