Rematch possible at Fonner

A potential rematch of last year's top two finishers is shaping up for next weekend's Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes at Fonner Park, with runner-up Wayzata Bay and defending champion The Nutz adding their names to the list of nominees for the meet's showcase event.

There were 29 horses nominated for the $75,000 race at 1 1/16 miles as of Wednesday morning, with more expected.

Wayzata Bay, trained by Judi Hicklin, has made two starts this year, both at Tampa Bay Downs. He was a closing second in overnight handicap on Jan. 16, but then turned in a dull effort when eighth in the Challenger Stakes there on March 7.

After his second-place finish in last year's Bosselman, Wayzata Bay captured the Grade 2 Cornhusker Handicap and the Prairie Meadows Handicap in consecutive races, then was third in the Grade 2 Hawthorne Gold Cup in Chicago while banking more than $350,000.

* With eight days of racing remaining in the Fonner meet, Jesus Ponce holds a 36-32 lead over Damon Leeds in the race for leading rider. Chris Fackler is third with 31 wins.

* Alice Kaya, 88, a longtime fan of racing and owner of the Mt. Fuji Inn restaurant in Omaha, has died of heart failure. Kaya and the Mt. Fuji Inn have sponsored a blanket race every summer during the Horsemen's Park festival meet and have long been strong supporters of Nebraska racing. Funeral services will be next Sunday, followed by a gathering at Horsemen's Park, in accordance with her wishes.