Honkytonk Stomp stretches out successfully in Van Berg

COLUMBUS, Neb. - Honkytonk Stomp scored his third straight win at the meet and second in stakes company as he shook off a challenge from Bingosablumin to win the $10,875 Van Berg Derby at Columbus on Saturday night.

Honkytonk Stomp, trained by Dudley Graham and ridden by Jordan Olesiak, moved to the front in his first attempt beyond six furlongs while under a strong hold. He eased up a bit turning into the backstretch of the mile and 70-yard Van Berg, was briefly passed by a pair of rivals, but surged back clear before reaching the final turn.

Bingosablumin drew alongside into the stretch to reach even terms but could not get by as Honkytonk Stomp edged to a three-quarter-length win as the 8-5 favorite in the field of six.

Honkytonk Stomp returned $5.20 and combined with Bingosablumin for a 2-4 exacta worth $10. The win boosted Honkytonk Stomp's career mark to 4-0-2 from 6 starts and earnings of $22,575. A 3-year-old son of Storm Boot, Honkytonk Stomp covered the distance in 1:46.80 over a fast track while winning his second straight stakes here. The win was third of four wins on the card for rider Olesiak.

Tenth power holds off The Nutz

Co-featured on the card was an allowance prep for the upcoming Labor Day Stakes as Tenth Power held off The Nutz to score by 1 3/4 lengths and collect his eighth win of the year.

Tenth Power, ridden by apprentice Ashley Dill for trainer Milton Gaede, stalked the pace set by Tenth Power and then challenged inside The Nutz in upper stretch. The two hit the furlong marker together but Tenth Power had plenty in reserve to win in a meet-best 1:19 for the distance. He returned $5.60 as the 9-5 second choice to The Nutz.

Tenth Power had previously won the Omaha Stakes at Horsemen's Park in July for his biggest career win. His eight wins this year rank him second in the country with four other horses and one behind the nine wins of the current national leader.