Preciousville puts win streak on line

LINCOLN Neb. - Three-year-old fillies will open up the stakes schedule at the Lincoln State Fair on Sunday when a field of six goes postward in the $15,000 Princess Stakes.

Preciousville was claimed by owner Craig Wulf and trainer Dan Coughlin at Fair Grounds on Feb. 10 for $12,500 and quickly returned a good portion of her purchase price by rallying to win the Pepsi Stakes at Fonner Park on April 5, her first start for her new connections. She should be favored to continue her three-race win streak in this six-furlong stakes. Luis Ranilla has a return ride.

Preciousville's main challenge is likely to come from Deputy's Whirl. Owned and trained by Bob Rising, Deputy's Whirl won the Columbus Debutante last summer, then cycled out of form until last month when she made an early move and drew off to win the $25,000 Fonner Park Special by four lengths.

Deputy's Whirl was fourth, beaten 10 lengths, in the Pepsi, but should be a much stronger factor against the top choice this time around. Apprentice Chris Fackler, who gained his first career stakes win aboard Deputy's Whirl in the Fonner Special, has the return mount.

Sunday Dancer, third in the Fonner Special and fifth in the Pepsi, also bears watching. Sunday Dancer made a mild run at Deputy's Whirl entering the stretch of the Special but lacked a final kick, finishing six lengths behind the winner.