By Randy Monk
sports.desk@theindependent.com

Ittakestwobaby broke alertly from post position one. Leeds was not only able to get the lead but maneuver his mount to the middle of the racetrack.

"It's just a little firmer out there," Leeds said. "We broke so well that I was able to get over. Dave did a great job getting this horse ready to run."

Ittakestwobaby shook off a challenge from first time starter Step N'Fetch on the turn and pulled away for the win in a swift 45.60 seconds for the four furlongs.

Anderson was very encouraged by Leeds' performance, but not at all surprised.

"I went to his agent hoping Damon would ride him," Anderson said. "He does a great job getting horses out of the gate and still seems to leave something in the drive for his horses."

The strong performance by the runner-up Step N'Fetch, owned and trained by John Garroute, also was not a surprise to Anderson.

"I knew he could run. I watched him workout twice. I knew he'd be a major contender," Anderson said.

Ittakestwobaby increased his career earnings to over $20,000 with the $7,110 winner's share of the purse. Somewhat overlooked in the betting, Anderson's young colt returned $11.60 to win. The Ittakestwobaby/Step N'Fetch exacta paid $57.40, while Marvin Johnson's Tammy ran third to complete a $116.00 trifecta.

Anderson was thrilled by the victory, but didn't forget to wave to some special fans watching in Kansas City.

"My daughter and my grandkids were watching at the Woodlands in Kansas City," Anderson said. "Grandpa gave them a special wave."

Even though Anderson is familiar with racing in other states, his three-year-old is going to be well established in Nebraska this year.

"Anytime you win a stake race, you have big expectations, hopefully they'll come to fruition," Anderson said. "We'll point him to the Special Stakes in April here at Fonner. With him being a Nebraska-bred we'll stay here with him and hope he competes well at this level all year.

"He still hasn't won past 4 1/2 furlongs, but I think he can stretch out well. He's got a lot of talent."

Anderson had a big day as not only his young star won the Bachman, but Fang Child captured the seventh race and Ben Won't Tell won the nightcap.

Hoofprints

* Luis Ranilla rode three winners on the day, scoring with Huskerlover in the first, Quiet Deputy in the fifth, and Fang Child in the seventh race.

* The Ryan Snyder owned, Robert Hoffman trained Anejo won his third race of the year with a dominant performance in race four.

* The previously undefeated War Pass finished last in the Tampa Bay Derby. Sent postward as the overwhelming 1-20 favorite, War Pass seemingly had no excuse in the race.