Heso turns back several challenges

LINCOLN, Neb. - Heso continued his winning ways with a $9.20 upset over 1-5 favorite The Nutz in Sunday's $16,080 President's Cup Stakes at Lincoln.

Trained by Ronnie Riggs, Heso was on the lead when challenged by Speed Stakes winner Sir Magic Man in the six-furlong race for older horses. After finishing off that rival after a half-mile, First Class Brass launched a bid and went head and head through the final turn before Heso and jockey Chris Fackler drew off for a five-length win. The Nutz moved into striking position going to the far turn but lacked a final kick and finished third, another 1 1/2 lengths back.

Heso combined with First Class Brass for an exacta worth $56. He covered the six furlongs in 1:12.40 over a fast track while winning for the fifth time from nine starts this year. Tonight Rainbow was expected to vie for the role of favorite with The Nutz but was scratched earlier in the day and was entered in an allowance race at Fair Meadows Tulsa on Thursday.