Short rest for Miss Missile

Miss Missile will return to defend her crown in the $25,000 Al Swihart Memorial in a full field of 10 fillies and mares at Fonner Park.

Miss Missile is part of a three-pronged attack in the 6 1/2-furlong Swihart from trainer Charlie Smith, who also will send out the entry of Lady Countdown and Morsel for owner Terry Propps. Miss Missile runs as a separate betting interest.

Miss Missile is wheeling back on one week's rest after making her seasonal debut last Saturday at Lone Star Park, where she finished fourth against allowance company going 5 1/2 furlongs. She should be a solid favorite to defend her title but will be facing some stiff competition in this spot. Leading rider Jordan Olesiak has the mount.

Lady Countdown is coming off a front-running win at Manor Downs on April 18, while Morsel will be making her seasonal debut.

Wild Indian, trained by Thad Keller, invades from her base at Prairie Meadows and could pose the biggest threat to the favorite. Her last start came against $65,000 optional claiming company at Oaklawn Park in late March. Although winless this year, Wild Indian has a pair of seconds from her three starts. She has the tactical speed to stalk what should be a solid pace.

The local contingent includes an uncoupled entry from Jim Cranwell in Rare Crystal and Gracie Jane. Rare Crystal won six of her nine starts last year, including five straight at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Canada. Gracie Jane overcame a troubled trip last Friday to score by a neck against optional claiming company and will likely make a big move through the final turn of this two-turn race.