Fonner: Replay of the Runza

The top three finishers from last month's Runza Handicap meet again in the $25,000 Al Swihart Memorial Handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs in a race that could well decide the honors for top filly or mare of the Fonner Park meet.

Burning Memories, Up 'n Blumin, and Princess of Holme should all receive their due respect in the field of 10.

Burning Memories won this race in 2003 and was runner-up a year ago. She was third in the Runza in her only start so far this year. Mike Ziegler will ride for trainer Jim Cranwell at 120 pounds from post 8.

Princess of Holme was an impressive winner of the Runza on March 26 in a 33-1 upset. That was her stakes debut and it followed a nonwinners-of-three allowance win. She came back on April 9 to finish fifth as the favorite against $20,000 optional claiming company. Princess of Holme will race as an entry with Gater Power for trainer Kim Veerhusen. Princess of Holme has Jerry Carkeek aboard at 117 pounds from post 6.

Up 'n Blumin, runner-up in the Runza after rallying to the lead into the stretch, is the most likely winner of the Swihart. A daughter of Blumin Affair, Up 'n Blumin won her third career race here against allowance company and came right back to score in the Bold Accent Handicap against statebred rivals. R.D. Williams will ride from post 2 at 119 pounds.