Heso looks like lone speed

Heso, a front-running winner of four races this year, steps up the ladder into stakes company when he heads a field of eight older Nebraska-breds going a mile in the $20,000 Big Red Mile at Lincoln State Fair.

Heso won his last start, which came for a claiming tag of $15,000 at Fonner Park in late April. He could well find himself alone on the lead in this field of predominantly closers. Trained by Ronnie Riggs, Heso faded in his only route start this year, a $3,500 starter allowance at Fonner. Mike Ziegler has the ride from post 6.

Mike's Pet, the defending champion, enters the race seeking his first win of the year for trainer Larry Staroscik. A year ago, Mike's Pet won 4 of his 9 starts and he is looking to regain that form while returning to a more favorable distance. He will have Chris Fackler aboard from post 7.

Larrylarrylarry, an impressive winner of an entry-level allowance going six furlongs on opening weekend, will stretch back out in distance and should also be near the lead here for trainer Jim Cranwell. After struggling against maiden company in Southern California, Larrylarrylarry returned to Nebraska this spring and drew off for a 6 3/4-length win in March. He faded in the Dowd Mile, his next start, to finish fifth, then had his saddle slip while attending the pace in the Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes. Jose Ranilla has been named to ride from post 8.