San Rafael S. (G3) winner EL GATO MALO (El Corredor) tops a field of 13
sophomores entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Lone Star Derby (G3). Runner-up in the
Sham S. (G3), the Craig Dollase-trained gelding was forced out of the Kentucky
Derby (G1) due to insufficient graded earnings when he finished fifth in the
Santa Anita Derby (G1). The Kentucky-bred will make his first start on a
traditional dirt track after racing exclusively over synthetic surfaces, and
he’ll wear blinkers for the first time while breaking from post 2. Rafael
Bejarano will pick up the mount.
Lexington S. (G2) runner-up SAMBA ROOSTER (Songandaprayer) and Louisiana
Derby (G2) runner-up MY PAL CHARLIE (Indian Charlie) are among the top
challengers. The former made his stakes debut in the Lexington and turned in a
strong effort on the front end, nearly stealing the 1 1/16-mile event before
being caught by Behindatthebar (Forest Wildcat). He figures to set the pace on
Saturday with Garrett Gomez. My Pal Charlie, a game runner-up to Pyro (Pulpit)
two starts back at Fair Grounds, exits a fifth in the Arkansas Derby (G2), and
the Al Stall Jr.-trained colt will have to put his speed to use early here in order
to save ground from post 11. Jamie Theriot rides.
FORT APACHE (Mineshaft), a smart 2 3/4-length allowance winner at Lone Star
last out, will make his stakes debut for conditioner Bret Calhoun. Rebel S. (G2)
runner-up KING’S SILVER SON (Mizzen Mast) is eligible to improve off a ninth in
the Arkansas Derby, and Borderland Derby winner PONI COLADA (Volponi) will enter
off a close second in the Northern Spur S. at Oaklawn Park most recently. Gotham
S. (G3) runner-up TEXAS WILDCATTER (Monarchos) and Grade 2-placed ISABULL (Holy
Bull) also merit respect.
The complete field for the 1 1/16-mile Lone Star Derby, in post position
order, is LIMESTONE EDGE (Cat Thief), Corey Lanerie; El Gato Malo; GOLDEN YANK
(Yankee Gentleman), Mike Berry; Poni Colada, Quincy Hamilton; King’s Silver Son,
Luis Quinonez; Texas Wildcatter, Robby Albarado; IDE LIKE A DOUBLE (Ide), Kerwin
Clark; Isabull, Tim Doocy; Samba Rooster; LEONIDES (Richter Scale), Richard
Migliore; My Pal Charlie; Fort Apache, Eddie Martin Jr.; and REAL APPEAL
(Successful Appeal), James Graham.
All runners will carry 122 pounds.
Limestone Edge and Samba Rooster will be coupled in the wagering.