Lincoln: Up 'n Blumin in Matchmaker defense

Up 'n Blumin returns from her track-record performance in the Bluegrass Handicap to defend her title in the $20,000-added Matchmaker Handicap for Nebraska-bred fillies and mares at Lincoln.

A 5-year-old mare by Blumin Affair, Up 'n Blumin already has a trio of stakes wins to her credit this year from four starts, and she should be strongly favored to triumph again over her six rivals in the one-mile Matchmaker. R.D. Williams has the ride for trainer Kelly Von Hemel, who sends her over from his Prairie Meadows base.

Up 'n Blumin opened this year's campaign against statebreds in the Orphan Kist at Fonner Park, then was upset in the Runza Stakes when she grabbed a four-length lead entering the stretch but shortened stride late. She rebounded with an authoritative win in the Al Swihart Memorial on closing day at Fonner Park, then returned to outduel the speedy Missy Can Do en-route to her track-record clocking of 1:09.80 in the Bluegrass at Lincoln on June 3.

Magic Trump, the runner-up to Up 'n Blumin in last year's Matchmaker, returns for just her second start of the year. She will be part of a Herb Riecken entry with Mayihavethisdance.