Lincoln: Thundering Verzy favored

LINCOLN, Neb. - Thundering Verzy should once again be an overwhelming favorite in a field of six in the State Fair Breeders' Special for Nebraska-bred 3-year-olds going one mile.

Thundering Verzy comes off a 1 1/4-length win in the Journal Star Stakes here May 23, when he was a 1-5 favorite. Trained by Phil Storms, Thundering Verzy gave his backers some anxious moments early when he dropped well off the pace of the six-furlong Journal Star. He rallied through the rest of the field with ease on the far turn, but then lugged in late while moving clear.

Thundering Verzy registered his first win of the year in the Fonner Park Special Stakes, then returned with a second to Okie Style in the one-mile Nebraska Derby, also at Fonner.

Regular rider Armando Martinez returns to ride from post 6.

Sunday Trigger, trained by Larry Staroscik, is the only other horse in the field with recent stakes experience. A winner of an allowance race at Fonner Park on April 9, Sunday Trigger finished third to Thundering Verzy in the Fonner Park Special, beaten 5 1/4 lengths. He also met Thundering Verzy in the Journal Star, and again finished third, beaten 6 1/4 lengths. Don Frazier will ride from post 3.