Derby may lure Wanna Runner

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Wanna Runner, Red Raymond, and Admiral's Arch are among the early probables for the Grade 3, $300,000 Lone Star Derby on Saturday.

Greeley's Legacy, who was fourth last out in the Grade 2 Lexington for trainer George Weaver, is also possible for the race, said Mike Shamburg, stakes coordinator for Lone Star.

"It's a real competitive field," said Shamburg. "Like in years past, it's a good prep for the Preakness on timeline."

Shamburg also counts Sweetening and Mr. Pursuit, who were second and third to Admiral's Arch in the $100,000 Northern Spur Breeders' Cup at Oaklawn, as probables. He said he also expects trainer Todd Pletcher to start one of his three nominees, which include High Cotton, winner of the $100,000 Rushaway at Turfway Park.

Possibles for the Lone Star Derby include Belligerence and Wait in Line, who finished a respective third and fourth to Wanna Runner in the $600,000 WinStar Derby on April 1. Bob Baffert trains Wanna Runner. Belligerence and Wait In Line are trained by Chris Hartman.

Steve Asmussen, the trainer of Admiral's Arch, said last week he has another probable for the Lone Star Derby in Rain on Monday, a full brother to multiple stakes winner Boots on Sunday.

Red Raymond, trained by Bob Holthus, had a troubled trip last out when 10th in the Grade 2, $1 million Arkansas Derby. Before that race, he was second to Lawyer Ron in the Grade 3, $300,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn.

The Lone Star Derby will share a program with two $125,000 divisions of the Texas Stallion Stakes for 3-year-olds, the Got Koko and the Stymie.

Satellite tries winners Sunday

Satellite, the 3-year-old who earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90 when he won his maiden last out at Lone Star, will meet winners for the first time on Sunday in the third race. The six-furlong allowance drew a field of six, including leading contenders Back Bay Baron, Castles in the Sky, and Cee's the Point.

Satellite won a 5 1/2-furlong race by two lengths in a sharp 1:03.80. The runner-up from that race, Allowance, overcame adversity to win his maiden at Louisiana Downs on Friday.

Satellite is a son of Golden Missile. His dam, Valid Symmetry, is a stakes winner of $247,921 and a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Swept Overboard. Satellite is trained by Cody Autrey, who has given the mount to the Cliff Berry.