The Columbus Races looks to be a very good night at the track tonight, as there are 10 races on the program. Eighty horses will go postward, with four races at 6 furlongs, four races at 1 mile, 70 yards, and two races at 6 1/2 furlongs, which will offer races for every race fan.
The highlight of tonight’s races will be the running of the Van Berg Derby, named after the Columbus family that has meant so much to Nebraska horse racing and racing nationwide.
This stakes race is a race for 3-year-olds going 1 mile, 70 yards and has drawn seven entries for the purse of $10,000 added, which 60 percent will go to the winning owner.
Moon Odyssey, from the Milt Gaede stable, comes into this race as the one to beat. This horse comes into this race off a win in the Hall of Fame Stakes Aug. 2, when he won going 6 furlongs. Tonight he returns, going a distance where he has run the previous six times.
Moon Odyssey comes into the race looking for his fourth in a row and has season earnings of $35,840 with four wins and two thirds.
Tonight is Friday night dollar night, with $1 wagers, $1 hot dogs and $1 draft beer, so be a part of the crowd which will have 10 blanket races in what looks to be a perfect night for racing and having lots of fun.
See you tonight and Saturday. First post 6:30 p.m.
Backsider Today
First Race -- 1. Dr. Fancy - Has been fairly close to winners circle. Tonight should be in the winners circle. 2. Sweet Boy - Has been off for a long time. Well rested and will like this oval. 3. Comeonlittleman - Had a good run in Lincoln. In a much better spot tonight, as he was the big favorite in Lincoln and finished third.
Second Race -- 1. Wicked Pancho - The Cottonwood Pub crew will be here in force tonight. They will be on the rail, and this horse will say hello and goodbye, see you in the winners circle. 2. State of Yo - Ships in from Colorado and has veteran jockey on top. Will be in front, but will find it tough to hold the lead. 3. Lightening Limit - Will have a shot in this race, looks like horses will be strong out.
Third Race -- 1. Monarch’s Shuffle - Was a beaten favorite in last out here. Not tonight, looks like a walk in the park. 2. Ernies Delight - Looks like a run for second, and I think this 4-year-old will be the one. 3. Rowdy Report - Local trainer got this horse from Minnesota. Will give him a shot here.
Fourth Race -- 1. Don’s Baby - Trainer was able to nab the leading Columbus jockey tonight. Should be able to get win No. 4 for owner Groene this year. 2. Golden Laces - Did not even work up a sweat on July 16 win. Will start back, but do not fear, he will come flying. 3. Westfest - Ran 1 3/8 last out and tried to run from the front end. We’ll see if he tries to go to the front again.
Fifth Race -- 1. Mexican Time - Trainer Anderson probably has a cimpl blanket. Should get another blanket tonight. 2. Diamond Daze - Two easy wins in a row, one sprint and one route. Will come off to get second. 3. Verzy’s Diamond - Trainer has been lighting the board. Will be a good price if he can do the same tonight.
Sixth Race -- 1. Resonate - Was scratched a week ago when part of the entry. Runs tonight and makes form chant even better. 2. One Entry - Would like if Zenia’s Storm went, but on track part of entry can go with these. 3. Ridge Jumper - Has been favorite six times this year. If he shows some fire down the stretch, he could score.
Seventh Race -- 1. The Ruzz - This horse has not been real good the last three outs. Showed improvement in the last race. Look for more tonight. 2. Dice - Has been very consistent. Stepped into open class last out, and I expect another good effort tonight. 3. Black Bear Billy - Nothing to get excited about. This horse is capable to find the winners circle and should be a good mutual.
Eighth Race -- 1. Who’s Leaving Who - Can you go to the well one more time. Absolutely here, you will bring back more water. 2. Mr. Pinstripe - Owner claimed this horse in Iowa and then ran him back tough. Tonight looks to be part of entry to make it happen. 3. Mike’s Pet - This horse probably could be picked higher. If he gets close to the early lead, he would not be a surprise winner.
Ninth Race -- 1. Moon Odyssey - This horse is very sharp now. Will make up ground to win the Van Berg Derby for three in a row. 2. Monojet - Just got beat by the top horse on Aug. 2. Will go at it again, but I don’t think he can hold him off. 3. Fancy Princess - Will set the pace in this race. Looks to be too much late horse run to hold on for the win.
10th Race -- 1. Brockhill - This horse winds up a big night of racing with a win in this route race. 2. Sky Blue Bid - A beaten favorite in last against many of the same. Look for better tonight from the leading trainer here. 3. Sum of It All - See if he can fire down the stretch, which he is capable of.
Best Bet -- Mexican Time in fifth.
Long Shot -- Y Recaz in ninth.
Backsider Saturday
First Race -- 1. He Calls Me Bill. 2. Count Coup. 3. Roulette Cat.
Second Race -- 1. Miss C Bauer. 2. Blushing Polly. 3. Holy Molly.
Third Race -- 1. Foolish Deputy. 2. Say Nothing. 3. Nastfasty.
Fourth Race -- 1. Howard County Hank. 2. Cowboy Express. 3. Slewjack.
Fifth Race -- 1. Valid Sprinter. 2. Northern Indian. 3. Slew Lucky.
Sixth Race -- 1. Tough Beth. 2. Proud Abby. 3. Mexican Sunset.
Seventh Race -- 1. Yesterday’s Rose. 2. Melody Ruth. 3. Orphan Gal.
Eighth Race -- 1. Stern Ties. 2. Secure Line. 3. Treasured Friend.
Best Bet -- Foolish Deputy in third.
Long Shot -- McKimberly S in second.
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