Nebraska-bred 2-year-olds in twin stakes

Columbus begins its closing weekend with a stakes doubleheader on Friday night. The $12,500 divisions of the Columbus Futurity and Debutante for Nebraska-bred 2-year-olds are carded as the third and fourth races on a nine-race program.

Deputy's Whirl, a front-running nine-length winner of a maiden race locally Aug. 12, should be favored in the six-furlong Debutante, which drew a field of six. Deputy's Whirl is one of a trio of winners in the race. Yuri Yaranga will ride for trainer Bob Rising.

Molly Pontz and Annadacious are both maiden winners locally at 3 1/2 furlongs who will try two turns for the first time over this five-furlong oval.

In the Futurity, Sunny Coz I. M. is the lone winner in a field of five. Trained by Larry Staroscik, Sunny Coz I. M. won his maiden at first asking by a length at 3 1/2 furlongs. Damon Leeds will ride.

* Rider John Conheeney Jr. was seriously injured in a spill during Monday's fifth race and has been transferred to Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha for treatment. Conheeney was aboard Crafty J K when the horse appeared to drift out over the heels of eventual winner Lovers Falls and fell early in the first turn. Conheeney was transported by ambulance to Columbus Community Hospital and then airlifted to Omaha.

* Jockey Dennis Collins rode his 1,500th career winner in last Saturday's second race aboard Als Grandfille ($3.20). Collins entered last weekend needing seven wins to reach the plateau and got six on Friday night's card.

* Terry McGee, 63, was honored in a retirement ceremony in the winner's circle on Sunday. McGee began riding in 1962 and had been a regular on the Nebraska circuit for many years.