DIRECT DIAL RINGS UP A WIN IN $65K TEXAS STALLION STAKES STYMIE DIVISION SUNDAY AT LONE STAR PARK
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (May 20, 2018) – W. S. Farish’s Direct Dial (Too Much Bling) trained by Steve Asmussen, gets it done Sunday winning the 15th edition of the Texas Stallion Stakes, Stymie Division for 3-yr-old colts & geldings. The one mile race was the third and final of the Texas Stallion Stakes Series. The first of the series is held at Retama Park in the fall, followed by the second held at Sam Houston in January, the third at Lone Star. The victory completed the series triple for Direct Dial.
“The inside was kind of bad so I took advantage of being on the outside,” said winning jockey Iram Diego. “He broke so good.”
Direct Dial went right to the lead out of the gate then was headed at the quarter mark by rival Silis. He was content to sit just off the leader down the backstretch until nearing the far turn. Direct Dial decided it was time regain his spot in front where he raced comfortably to the wire. Even money favorite Galactica (Uncle Abbie) raced along mid-pack through most of it, passing the others entering the stretch, but couldn’t catch the leader. “It’s a good thing he relaxed and was rested for the end.” Diego added about Direct Dial.
Direct Dial paid $4.60, $2.40 and $2.10. Galactica returned $2.20 and $2.10. Swift Shock, who passed tiring rivals to get third returned $2.20. Silver Luke Silver and Silis completed the order.
Final time for the one-mile race on a muddy, sealed track was 1:39.37. Early fractions were 23.99 and 47.75.
Direct Dial’s career earnings, with the added $39,000 from the win are $202,820. This was his fourth win from nine career starts.
Noteworthy
Jockey Iram Diego and trainer Steve Asmussen each won a total of 10 races over the three days of live racing this weekend.
Up Next
Please note that live racing resumes next Thursday, May 24. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. First post is 6 p.m. On Sunday, May 27, the headline will be the 22nd edition of the Grade 3, $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap. A field of five entered today and boasts four Hall of Famers – Bob Baffert is sending Mubtaahij and has named Mike Smith to ride. Jerry Hollendorfer has entered Full of Luck, and Steve Asmussen has entered South Beach. That’s a lot of star-power!
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Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, a Class I racetrack operated by Texas Partners LSP and Global Gaming LSP. The track offers a 44-day 2018 Thoroughbred Season, which opens Thursday, April 19 and concludes on Sunday, July 22. Live racing will be held three days a week, Friday at 6:35 p.m., Saturday at 2:35 p.m. (except Triple Crown Days May 5, May 19 & June 9 which have a 1:35 p.m. start) and Sundays at 2:35 p.m. Live racing will be held on select Thursdays at 6:35 p.m. (April 19, May 24, June 21 & July 19). A special twilight program will be held at 5:00 p.m. both on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4 (Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration). For more information on Lone Star Park visit LoneStarPark.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Lone Star Park is also home to the multi-million dollar simulcast racebook, sports bar and event venue, Bar & Book. The 36,000 square foot venue is open to the public 363 days a year.
Global Gaming Solutions, LLC (GGS), is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation with a primary business focus of pursuing entertainment, gaming and racing related opportunities in emerging jurisdictions in the United States and overseas as well as acquisition of regional gaming and entertainment assets. GGS LLC is the parent company of GG RP, which owns Remington Park in Oklahoma City, OK and GG LSP, which owns a significant stake in Lone Star Park. GG LSP is the track operator who owns the license to operate Lone Star Park and leases the property from the Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Development Corporation.