Lincoln: High Dice set to end drought

High Dice continues his comeback from more than a one-year layoff and just might be in the right position to score his first victory since 2003 when he faces seven others in Monday's $15,000 State Fair Board Handicap at a mile and 70 yards.

High Dice, 10, has been a solid competitor in the Nebraska stakes ranks for years, and among his 18 career victories are two in this race - in 2001 and 2003.

Trained by Herb Riecken, High Dice returned to action on April 9 at Fonner Park and ran fifth of eight horses in a minor stakes. He rallied late to finish third in his next two starts, both at Lincoln. He was beaten only a neck in the Big Red Mile Handicap on May 30 in his last start. Dennis Collins will ride under 114 pounds.

Thundering Verzy is the likely and deserving favorite for the State Fair Board Handicap. He comes off a narrow victory over Mortrump in the President's Cup Handicap on June 19. Trainer Dan Coughlin has named Armando Martinez to ride at topweight of 121 pounds.