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Select Roses Gem Top -57 Neb.-Bred Sophomore Van Berg Gelding to Be, Honored AtAk-Sar-Ben;Classic Red Second OMAHA, Neb., May 1.— Roses "Gem, a speedy gelding who was able to triumph on some of the Midwests top track, today was selected the Nebraska-bred three-year-old of 1957. Owned by M. H. VanBerg of Columbus, Neb., Roses Gem scored victories at Ak-Sar-Ben, Detroits Hazel Park and Chicagos Sportsmans Park last year to wind up with earnings of 7,395. Runner-up laur.el.s were accorded to Omer Halls Classic Red, who won ,830, while Ed Luthers Borego, who wound -up with ,780, was also considered by the selecting committee. Judges were Ralph Boomer, secretary of the Nebraska State Racing Commission: Dean Williams of Daily Racing Form and Howard Wolff, racing editor of the Omaha World-Herald. As the top-ranking three-year-old, Roses Gem will be honored at a special banquet at Ak-Sar-Ben during the civic organizations May 20-July 5 meeting this summer. VanBerg will receive a special plaque from Ak-Sar-Ben during the program. Still to be chosen are the Nebraska-bred two-year-old of 1957, horse of the year and breeder of the year. MacMullen yesterday was named olderhorse of 1957. Roses Gem raced five times at Ak-Sar-Ben last year, winning twice and racking up a second, third and fourth. High spot of his campaigning came June 25 when he defeated ,an outstanding field in the second division of the Ak-Sar-Ben Breeders Special:
