Nic a Jack faces familiar rivals in Labor Day Stakes

Nic a Jack will seek his second stakes win of the meet when he meets a field of nine older horses in the $10,000 Labor Day Stakes in the closing day feature at Columbus on Monday afternoon.

The race was not offered last year as the track shortened its meet to five weekends and cut the open company stakes out of its offerings. This 6 1/2-furlong fixture for 3-year-olds and up will be offered for the 15th time on Monday.

The Labor Day Stakes offers a rematch of the top four finishers in the Amadevil Stakes from Aug. 16 when 1 1/2 lengths separated the quartet. There appears to be plenty of early speed this time around in the larger field, which should make for plenty of drama down the long stretch of this five-eighth-mile track.

Labor Day Stakes, Race 7

KEY CONTENDERS

Nic a Jack (Last 3 Beyers: 63-77-46)
He was able to open up a four-length lead after a half-mile in the Amadevil Stakes here, and then dug in late to prevail by a neck going the same distance as Monday’s race. Although an uncontested lead is unlikely, he holds a class edge on the speed horses.

Bach's Homebrew (Last 3 Beyers: 59-74-54)
Was sent up to chase Nic A Jack last time out then went evenly in the lane to finish fourth, beaten 1 1/2 lengths. Will likely lay back and make a more substantial late run this time.

Call Me Bubba (Last 3 Beyers: 62-54- 55)
Was a fast-closing second in the Amadevil and, like Bach's Homebrew, is most effective coming from off the pace. Stakes-placed runner is still in search of his first stakes score for trainer LaVerne Ballhagen.