Lincoln Race Course: Song Of Humor trying a mile in Lincoln Derby

LINCOLN, Neb. - Song Of Humor, winner of his last three, stretches out to a mile for the first time in his career as he heads a field of eight in the $17,500 Lincoln Derby at Lincoln Race Course on Saturday afternoon.

Song Of Humor, trained by Milt Gaede, is coming off back-to-back stakes wins, in the Baxter at Fonner Park and most recently the Journal Star here, both at six furlongs. He has won 3 of his 5 starts this year and started the current streak with a 2 3/4-length win over older rivals in optional claiming company at Fonner Park on April 3. A son of Songandaprayer, Song Of Humor owns a career mark of 6-0-1 from 10 starts.

Gaede claimed the gelding for $7,500 at Turfway Park on Dec. 30 off a winning effort going 6 1/2 furlongs. He has since posted a mark of 3-0-1 for his new connections and should handle the stretch in distance with no problem. Regular rider Ashley Dill will be aboard.

Transept's Affair, trained by Bob Rising, comes off a win via disqualification in the Lincoln Breeders' Special going a mile here on June 11. That day he hooked up with Another Bumper through the far turn then was carried out through the stretch as that one drifted while missing by a head. Regular rider Karlo Lopez will be aboard.

Spoken In Tones, Streaking Silver, and Archuleta were the top three finishers in a second-level allowance race here June 10 going a mile and 70 yards and could also pose strong threats to the win streak of Song Of Humor here.