10 races on tap for tonight

Friday night at the races features 10 races with 79 horses going to post.

It is also Dollar Night with $1 wagers, hotdogs and draft beers. Five of the 10 races will be six furlongs in addition to four contests at 6 1/2 furlongs and one race a 1 mile and 70 yards.

Tonight’s field begins with nine blanket races capped of by the Lexington Animal Health Blanket. This is a $6,720 starter allowance race for 3-year-olds and up going 6 1/2 furlongs. The race has drawn six entries and looks to be headed up by S.L. Hall’s Looney Lionel.

Looney Lionel has three wins and three seconds in nine times out this year with a season earnings total of $17,786. David Anderson’s Dazzlin Lil Devil who has four wins, one second and one third in eight races this season looks to be Looney Lionel’s biggest challenger. Dazzlin Lil Devil has a season earnings total of $26,281.

Saturday night features the running of the Columbus Maturity/Matron Stakes. This is an allowance race for Nebraska bred fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs for a purse of $15,000. The race has drawn six entries with the winner taking $9,000.

Plaer’s Trump looks to be favored in the stakes race and has seven wins, two seconds and one third in her lifetime.

See you tonight and Saturday night at the races with first post times scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Leon Fickel will give his daily selections for the Columbus Races throughout the season.

Backsider Today

First Race -- 1. Budget Bob - Should be favored in this non-winner’s race. 2. Hallory’s Prospect - Is seventh out of eight this year in money and will give Budget Bob a tough race. 3. Coz He’s Mean - Could have a good race in a short field.

Second Race -- 1. Forenglishpressone - Long name, but is favored in this field. 2. Oreopolis Charm - Looked good at the begining of the season and will continue to impress. 3. Too Chic To Pass - Coming off two very good races. Will get out to an early lead, but will tire at the end.

Third Race -- 1. We Sure Fixed Em - The name of this horse is fitting, because she will fix the competition good in this race. 2. Consumer’s Yuzumer - This is a wheel-bred filly who has been worth watching this season. 3. Shade of Silver - Has the ability to pull off of an upset, but hasn’t had a good race in the last two times out.

Fourth Race -- 1. Trip Licious - This is a good filly. Mark up another win for her this season. 2. Wideyedenmystified - Not as good as the top horse, but will likely finish second. 3. Two Socks McCool - Will hang around for show, but will finish third.

Fifth Race -- 1. Chex - Hasn’t been in the winner circle often this season, but should be in it after this race. 2. Ten Forty Easy - Hasn’t had a very good season, but should come in second. 3. Thunder Time - Could be a factor in this race from the inside position.

Sixth Race -- 1. Seco Express - This Horse is in great condition and deserves a play here. 2. Roulette Cat - Has been going against winners of two since June 26th and has a chance to be a winner of two with a win in this race. 3. Comet’s Trouble - Fresh off two race in Kansas and should be in the mix in this field.

Seventh Race -- 1. Shade On - This filly was very good as a two-year-old and should clean up in this race. 2. Cash Treat - Did not have a good first race the last time out, but should recover for a better performance. 3. Busees - Has been going against non-winners of four, but has a chance to be there at the end.

Eighth Race -- 1. Zenia’s Storm - Has a chance to hit a home run here. 2. Another Diamond - Will be there the entire race and has had a solid season. 3. Okie Thunder - Good play in this field.

Ninth Race -- 1. Looney Lionel - Favored horse down the stretch. 2. Dazzlin Lil Devil - Tough horse to go against with its $26,281 earnings in 2008. 3. Chosen Words - Great horse in this field.

10th Race -- 1. Julie’s Red Shoes - After a couple of tough races, Julie’s Red Shoes will be in the winner circle. 2. Temptor’s Temper - Look for some fire from this horse down the stretch. 3. Clancy’s Affair - After good 2007 campaign, 2008 was not so good. It can light the board in final race of Friday night.

Best Bet -- Zenia’s Storm in eighth.

Long Shot -- The Straw Man in fifth.

Backsider Saturday

First Race -- 1. Phil’s Little Girl. 2. Amanda’s Cat. 3. More Run.

Second Race -- 1. This Catz Gone. 2. Big Sparky. 3. St John Zooha.

Third Race -- 1. Wild Cat Vet. 2. Tyler’s Biscuit. 3. Sarah’s Cow Girl.

Fourth Race -- 1. Lucky Bob. 2. Gotashotofgold. 3. Saildust.

Fifth Race -- 1. Miss C. Bauer. 2. Andy’s Annie. 3. Getinoneforandy.

Sixth Race -- 1. Jesse Tavin. 2. Real Diligence. 3. Take a Shot in Oz.

Seventh Race -- 1. Plaer’s Trump. 2. Dazzling Seville. 3. My Hobby.

Eighth Race -- 1. More Trooper. 2. Connie’s Man. 3. Magic Strip.

Long Shot -- Sharkey’s Buddy in eighth.