Ms. Bumper proves uncatchable

Ms. Bumper got a clear lead in the early going and went gate to wire to capture the $15,900 Columbus Maturity/Matron Stakes to gain her second career stakes victory at Columbus on Saturday night.

Ms. Bumper, part of a coupled entry for trainer Larry Staroscik, got a clear lead going to the first turn of the 61/2-furlong race. Plaer's Trump moved to challenge entering the far turn but could not produce her usual late kick and settled for second, 1 1/4 lengths behind the winner. Consumer's Yuzumer, coupled the with Ms. Bumper, rallied to be third, three-quarters of a length behind Plaer's Trump.

Ms. Bumper returned $14.80 as the distant third choice in a field of nine. Ms. Bumper won the Breeders' Special here as a 3-year-old last year. She was an allowance winner in Lincoln earlier this summer and improved her career mark to 4-3-1 from 12 starts. She covered the distance in 1:21.20 over a fast track with Luis Ranilla aboard.

Nayborhood Affair, the 4-5 favorite in the race, failed to mount a bid and finished fifth.