Class vs. speed in feature at Lone Star
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
It’s a classic clash of class and speed in Sunday’s eighth race at Lone Star, where millionaire Neck ‘n Neck takes on course record-holder Supermason in an optional $40,000 claiming race at a mile.
Neck ‘n Neck is charged with running down Supermason, a five-time stakes winner who has a chance to control the pace. Supermason set quick fractions last out and finished second by a half-length in a one-mile turf allowance that went in 1:34.20 at Lone Star.
“We had entered him in a couple of turf races – he seems to love that turf course,” said Bret Calhoun, who trains Supermason. “They didn’t fill. The dirt race came up and filled, and we’re happy to run him there.”
Supermason boasts a 5-for-9 record on Lone Star’s main track; among his wins is the $50,000 Premiere Stakes over 6 1/2 furlongs on April 20. For that front-running effort, he earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 98.
Calhoun said a stakes objective for Supermason is the $50,000 Assault, a one-mile race for Texas-breds next month at Lone Star. The horse won it in 2016.
Neck ‘n Neck is returning to the overnight ranks after running fourth to Danzing Candy in the Grade 3, $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap on May 28. He would benefit from an honest pace as one who tends to use closing tactics. Richard Eramia has the mount for trainer Steve Asmussen, while Lindey Wade will be aboard Supermason.
Evangeline off the turf for rest of meet
Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., has canceled turf racing for the remainder of the season, according to Chris Warren, director of racing for the track. He said the decision was made “due to poor growth conditions.”
The season runs through Sept. 2.
Evangeline had been forced to delay the start of turf racing on more than one occasion at this meet but had hoped to card grass races later in the season. Evangeline brought on a new turf consultant this year and changed maintenance procedures in order to build a better course foundation for the long haul, Warren said in May. The turf, however, has not grown in as quickly as anticipated, leaving some bare areas on the course. A “sprigging” procedure was done to the course.
Warren said Evangeline intends to resume turf racing in 2018.
◗ Lone Star leading rider Iram Diego entered Friday’s races six wins from a milestone of 1,000 Thoroughbred victories in North America.
