Lone Star Derby 2010 Results
Lone Star Park is located in Texas, and is home to the annual running of the Lone Star Derby. Inaugurated in 1997, the Lone Star Derby is a fairly new race, and was made a Grade III horse racing event in 2002. It was created for horses that are three years of age, and carries a purse amount of $200 000. To date, Bob Baffert has been the most successful trainer at this event, winning the Lone Star Derby in 1997, 2006 and 2009. And on Saturday, 8 May 2010, he raked in his fourth victory.
Bob Baffert was not planning on sending Game On Dude to the Lone Star Derby, but made the last minute decision when he was informed by the assistant racing secretary of Lone Star Park, that it looked like there was not much interest in the race. Baffert did try to find a flight for his green horse, but when all attempts failed, he loaded Game On Dude, and drove him to the event. The Lone Star Derby would be his first graded event, and all fears that he might be tired from his journey soon disappeared as he went charging for the finish line.
Game On Dude was ridden by Martin Garcia, who kept him in third position, allowing Henshin Hero to set the pace. Wando Redd kept the pressure on the front runner, while Garcia kept close watch on Crider, just behind him. As soon as Garcia felt the time was right to make their move, he encouraged Game On Dude into first position and was followed home by Crider in second place and Henshin Hero in third. Game On Dude completed the race in a time of 1:44:61, and cleared the finish line by four and a half lengths in front of Crider. All trainers were pleased with the performances of their horses, with Baffert commenting: “And he wasn’t focused; so we put blinkers on him. But he’s improving, and he’s going to be a good horse as he gets older.” Crider trainer, Steve Asmussen, praised his colt’s performance, pointing out that Crider is a late developer, but that he is able to see the improvements in every performance.
