Lincoln: Sandpit Dancer goes for 3

LINCOLN, Neb. - Sandpit Dancer stretches out to a mile in search of her third stakes win of the year when she faces seven rivals in Sunday's Matchmaker Handicap for Nebraska-bred mares.

A 6-year-old daughter of Miracle Heights, Sandpit Dancer scored her first win of the season in the Orphan Kist Handicap at Fonner Park in March. She most recently captured the Bluegrass Handicap here June 1 with a front-running performance for trainer Ron Ladd but will face a tough task in this spot. Alex Granda rides from post 2 under top weight of 120 pounds.

Terrell Hemmer sends out the speedy 4-year-old Irish Flyer, a winner of six of her 11 starts last year. Still winless this year, she most recently weakened after contesting the pace against optional claiming company at Canterbury Park. Jerry Carkeek rides from post 7.

Run Around Sue and Double Dreamin Deb may be the ones to benefit from a solid pace up front. Run Around Sue has rallied late in her races this year and should find a return to a mile to her liking.

Run Around Sue was a strong second to Sandpit Dancer in the Orphan Kist and most recently was third in the Bluegrass Handicap. Jiri Peterka has a return ride for trainer Don Cheloha from post 4.

Double Dreamin Deb, trained by Herb Riecken, has started only three times this year, most recently finishing second in the Bluegrass Handicap. A year ago she won the 1 1/16-mile Falls Amiss Handicap here, and she has the ability to post a mild upset in this spot. Dan Beck rides from post 6.

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