Falls Amiss a challenge for 'Blumin'

OMAHA, Neb. - Horsemen's Park rolls into the second day of its summer racing festival with Up 'n Blumin defending her title in the $27,500-added Falls Amiss Handicap on Friday.

The four-day festival meeting comprises mostly claiming races this year, with a minimum purse of $15,000 ranging up to $25,000 for $10,000 claimers. The races are written for horses who have raced in the state during the current year, and the meet gives horsemen a chance to participate for the biggest purses of the season.

Up 'n Blumin will have her work cut out for her in the one-mile Falls Amiss. She was assigned top weight of 124 pounds and spots 8 to 11 pounds to her six rivals. She was a four-length winner of this race last year toting 123 pounds, and should be the heavy favorite once again.

Trainer Kelly Von Hemel has kept Up 'n Blumin in solid form this year, with four stakes wins in five starts, and the mare has a three-race win streak going. Regular rider R.D. Williams will be aboard as Up 'n Blumin tries to improve on her perfect 3-for-3 mark at the distance. She comes off a romping 7 1/2-length win in the Matchmaker Handicap at Lincoln on June 17.

Herb Riecken will send out two horses he owns and trains, Magic Trump and Mayihavethisdance, but has received permission to

race the pair uncoupled. Mayihavethisdance was a distant second to Up 'n Blumin in the Matchmaker and was fifth in this race a year ago. Armando Martinez will ride from post 5 under 116 pounds.

Magic Trump, third in this race last year, also carries 116 and has Dennis Collins set to ride.

Friday's four-race program starts up at 6 p.m.

The Beulah twins, Katie and Jenna, will be on hand Friday and Saturday to sign autographs and have pictures taken with patrons, with the proceeds going to benefit children's cancer research through Creighton University's Medical Center.