Fonner Park track report

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Jockey Dan Beck escaped serious injury Sunday in a mishap in the starting gate as the field loaded for the seventh race at Fonner Park.

His mount, Mission North, became unruly and launched Beck into the adjoining stall. He was taken from the track by ambulance and held at a local hospital overnight for observation while complaining of difficulty breathing. Beck will miss the track's closing weekend but is expected to ready for next Friday's opening weekend at Lincoln's State Fair Park.

* Skunktail, the 13-year-old local legend, made his seasonal debut in last Saturday's sixth race against $20,000 claiming company. He flexed a bit of muscle by dropping 10 lengths off the pace before rallying to be fourth, beaten 2 3/4 lengths in the field of seven. In his 11-year career, Skunktail sports a record of 19-22-12 from 96 starts and earnings of more than $367,000.

* The feature on Saturday's closing day program is the $15,000 Stevens Stakes for statebred 3-year-olds at one mile. Sharing the spotlight will be the meet's longest race, the $10,000-added Coors Starter Allowance Stakes at 1 1/8 miles.

* David Anderson has wrapped up his fourth training title with 25 wins. Anderson also captured titles in 1988, 1990, and 1997. The race for second remains undecided with Brian Roberts holding a 14-13 edge over Gordon Hansen.

* Armando Martinez registered a four-win day last Friday and Jerry Carkeek picked up four wins Sunday. Carkeek is currently fourth in the rider standings, two behind Dennis Collins, who is third. Leaders Perry Compton (72 wins) and Ken Shino (53 wins) have shifted their tack to Prairie Meadows.