Several open year in Ogataul

Eight older Nebraska-breds going six furlongs clash in the $25,000 Ogataul Stakes at Fonner Park on Saturday with most in the field making their first start of the year.

Blumin Attitude, trained by Dan Coughlin, was a two-time stakes winner last year and may rate a slight edge in this early-season matchup of top statebreds. Blumin Attitude captured the Big Red Mile at Lincoln and the Who Doctor Who Stakes at Horsemen's Park in Omaha on his way to earning $41,395 last year. He was also stakes-placed twice and should be in position to lay just off the pace.

Heso worked his way up through the claiming ranks last year, posting five wins, including the President's Cup at Lincoln. He was second to Blumin Attitude in the Big Red Mile at a distance slightly longer than he likes. Trainer Roger Riggs has the added edge of Heso having a race under him this year, albeit a disappointing sixth against $7,500 claiming company on opening weekend going a half-mile. The added distance should help in this spot.

Pats High Life, the other starter with a race under him this year, won the Columbus Futurity in 2008, then did not race last year. He returned last Friday to score in an entry-level allowance race at a half- mile for trainer Chuck Turco but will be taking on more accomplished rivals here.

Turco also sends out From the Ashes as part of an uncoupled entry. From the Ashes was a stakes-placed runner against 3-year-olds last year and also moves up in class for this race.