Asmussen makes the call on Direct Dial's next start

Direct Dial, who ran a close third in last month’s $125,000 Gazebo at Oaklawn, is slated to make his next start in the $65,000 Jim’s Orbit division of the Texas Stallion Stakes at Sam Houston, trainer Steve Asmussen said. The six-furlong race for 3-year-olds by nominated stallions runs on the final night of the meet, March 17.

Direct Dial won a division of the Texas Stallion Stakes in November at Retama Park. Earlier in his career, he ran second in the $150,000 Tremont at Belmont Park. Direct Dial races for his breeder, Will Farish.

◗ Thoroughbreds nearing retirement from racing will be showcased before prospective buyers Saturday morning at Sam Houston Race Park. The horses will be housed in the paddock area and any sales will be private transactions between parties.

The event, known as the Roses to Ribbons Old Fashioned Horse Fair, is held toward the end of each Thoroughbred meet run in Texas.