Two stakes, two upsets

COLUMBUS, Neb. There were upsets in both the fillies and the colts-geldings divisions of the Columbus Breeders Special Stakes for Nebraska-bred 3-year-olds on Sunday afternoon.

Ms. Bumper led throughout to post a $15.40 surprise in the $15,500 fillies division as 3-5 favorite Apple Crumble suffered a serious injury in the stretch. With Luis Ranilla aboard, Ms. Bumper was challenged by the favorite turning for home in the 6 1/2-furlong test but Apple Crumble bore out soon after straightening for home and went lame through midstretch.

An early report indicated a slab fracture of her right knee. Rider Jordan Olesiak got the filly pulled up near the gap by her barn in the clubhouse turn and she was able to walk to her stall. Despite the injury, the top two finishers outclassed their opponents with Black And Fancy finishing 12 1/2 lengths behind the injured Apple Crumble in third.

Ms. Bumper collected her second career win and first stakes victory, covering the distance in 1:21.40 over a fast track for trainer Larry Staroscik.

In the $15,700 colts-geldings division, Don t Bluff ($34.80) took advantage of a long duel by 8-5 favorite Sugardazzle and 2-1 second choice From the Ashes to claim a two-length victory for trainer A.J. Musquiz.

Don t Bluff saved ground while near the back of the seven-horse field early, rallied to contenion in the far turn, then went by the tiring leaders under Rowdy Luark to post his second career victory. He covered the distance in 1:22.20. Don t Bluff had just won his maiden in his second career start a week earlier on Aug. 16.