Doug's Shadow fits

LINCOLN, Neb. - Doug's Shadow will defend his title in Sunday's $10,000 President's Cup Handicap against a compact but competitive field of five others.

Doug's Shadow made his 2002 debut here two weeks ago and ran a troubled sixth in the Speed Handicap at 4 1/2 furlongs. He returns to a more comfortable distance of six furlongs for the President's Cup but faces two tough foes in High Dice and Ty Man. A year ago, Doug's Shadow rallied from just off the pace to win this race by 1 3/4 lengths over High Dice. Regular rider Jiri Peterka returns aboard Doug's Shadow under 118 pounds for owner-trainer Julie Larmon.

High Dice has yet to win in four starts this year, but was assigned top weight of 120 pounds, following a strong second to Tate's Way in the Big Red Mile on Memorial Day. Always a factor on this track, High Dice has Dan Beck in the irons for trainer Herb Riecken.

Ty Man also found some traffic problems in the Speed Handicap and could be the one to watch late. Trained by Marv Johnson, Ty Man had to work his way through traffic on the turn in the Speed Handicap, then awaited room approaching the stretch before closing to finish third. Winless in six starts this year, Ty Man has been a closing third in his last two starts, and appears to be on the verge of a top effort under rider Jerry Carkeek.