Lincoln handle up this year

LINCOLN, Neb. - Lincoln Race Course wraps up its first season under the management of Omaha Exposition and Racing this weekend with encouraging numbers. Last year, the track held a 37-day season under the guidance of the Nebraska State Fair Board. A 32-day meet this year will see nearly identical numbers for total ontrack handle, and offtrack wagering on the live product will surpass last year's figure on Friday night.

The elimination of several Thursday cards during this year's meet resulted in an increase in handle on the other three cards each week. Entering Friday's card, Lincoln had total ontrack handle of $1,943,764, and a daily average of $69,420, despite losing the majority of the Sunday, June 20 card when live racing was canceled after the second race due to poor track conditions. Last year's total ontrack handle was $2,280,543 for a daily average of $61,636.

Offtrack handle on the live product stands at $1,199,389, or an average of $42,835 per day. Last year, off-track sources totaled $1,204,202 for a daily average of $32,546.

* Chuck Turco has opened a 10-win lead in the trainer standings and will capture his second straight title in the state after also winning at Fonner Park. Jordan Olesiak has moved back in front of his brother in the jockey standings with 36 wins. Luis Ranilla closed the gap last weekend and is tied for second, with Jake Olesiak at 33 wins, while Jesus Ponce is close behind with 31.

* The closing day feature on Sunday will be the richest race of the meet, the $25,000-added Capital City Futurity at six furlongs. Local favorite Another Bumper will likely be part of a full field that could include several shippers. Seven 2-year-olds were made eligible through supplemental nominations earlier this month, including a handful of Prairie Meadows winners.