Husker Ridge wins maiden in style at Columbus

COLUMBUS, Neb. - Husker Ridge rallied to the leaders going to the far turn and drew off to score by four lengths in the $15,500 Columbus Futurity for 2-year-old Nebraska-breds as Columbus closed out its meet Sunday afternoon.

Husker Ridge, under leading rider Luis Ranilla, was making her third start in the field of five maiden runners and won under a hand ride. Trained by Dean Bliss, Husker Ridge earned $9,300 for her maiden win and returned $5.20 as the 8-5 favorite. Husker Ridge covered the distance in 1:17.60 over a fast track.

Magic Player moved with the winner going to the turn and held for second, with pace-setting Perfect One fading to third, another four lengths back.

Ranilla rode three winners on the card to pad his meet leading total of 38 wins. Apprentice Ashley Dill, who suffered a broken collarbone Saturday night in a spill early in the card, was second with 32 wins. Dudley Graham, who spent his first year on the Nebraska circuit, claimed the trainer title with 15 wins, while Steve Hall was second with 12.