Lone Star Park Handicap Analysis
One of the first things I learned upon moving to Houston was -- we do not like Dallas. I never knew that there was such a distinct instate rivalry between these two booming cities. People compare the weather, the style, etc., but seem to overlook the most important thing … the horse racing. Both cities are home to fantastic venues that cater to our industry. The live racing season is over at local Sam Houston Race Park, so I will lay my proud Houstonian badge down for the meet and turn my attention north to Lone Star Park. I have not had the chance to get up to Grand Prairie yet, but hope to very soon. Until then, I will be watching and wagering at SHRP, in essence, uniting these cities for a good cause.
On Memorial Day, Lone Star Park will feature the 19th running of the Lone Star Park Handicap. A Grade III event over the dirt, going one mile & one-sixteenth. While it is a small field of six, it is a solid field of six. Tapiture may be the biggest name in the field, but I think he can be beaten. Here are my thoughts on the race.
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1 |
He was second best to Albano in the Same Houston Maxim Gold Cup back in February. Albano ran lights out that night, so second is nothing to overlook. He returns to dirt from a couple failed attempts on grass and is getting Diego back aboard, all positives! |
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2 |
He is coming inland from the West Coast and stretching back out. While his past performances leave a lot to be desired, he has been training forwardly and may have needed this freshening. |
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3 |
Turfer is switching back to dirt. He hasn’t trailed in his last two races and should be the early pace setter here too. If he takes to this surface, he may not look back. |
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4 |
My upset pick in the GIII Texas Mile earlier this month paid off big time at odds of 25-1. He is 7yo but still has an excellent closing kick, so this extra distance may be right up his alley. |
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5 |
2015 has not been kind to Tapiture. He is looking to find some traction here, but it is a big concerning that this will be his 6th different track since last summer. |
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6 |
Winning at nearly 50% at this distance, including a finish ahead of Tapiture in the Oaklawn Handicap. He should get a more ideal pace setup in this one and may get second win of the season here. |
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Jason’s Selections: 6-5-4
Most importantly, remember the reason why we celebrate this holiday and those that have fought and continue to fight for our nation every day. I hope everyone has a great (and winning) Memorial Day Weekend!