Fonner: Leaping Plum, 12, returns

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - A pair of stakes races highlight Saturday's 10-race card at Fonner Park - the Bachman Stakes and the Grasmick Handicap, which was rescheduled after being canceled last weekend due to a winter storm.

Both races offer $10,000 purses and are run at four furlongs. The Bachman is for 3-year-olds, the Grasmick for 3-year-olds and up.

The Grasmick Handicap brings out Leaping Plum for his 12-year-old debut. He is older than all his rivals by 7 to 8 years, and also spots them weight.

Trained by Joe Moss for the partnership of Clyde Woods and Paul Miskimins, Leaping Plum has been a sensation in the Grasmick, with a 7-year win streak in the race that was snapped last year when he finished a rallying third. He will be the sentimental pick to make it 8-for-9 under trainer Newil Wall at 120 pounds.

Meanwhile, Dark Cape, winner of the Club House Special at Columbus last year, heads a field of 10 in the Bachman.

Dark Cape was a closing second in his 2003 debut here on Feb. 9 against allowance company. An Iowa-bred son of Cape Storm out of the stakes-winning mare Walks With Angels, Dark Cape will be ridden by Kelly Murray at 122 pounds. He breaks from post 9 for trainer Brian Roberts.

Triptips was an impressive maiden winner in his career debut Feb. 9, winning by five lengths in special weights company.

Trained by Cliff Balcom, Triptips has Jerry Jewell on a return mount.

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