Direct Dial faster than ever at age 6

The top Texas-bred runner Direct Dial earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure for his win over Mr Money Bags in the $75,000 Wayne Hanks Memorial earlier this month at Lone Star Park. The 6-year-old earned a Beyer Figure of 91 for his half-length victory. Direct Dial covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.37.

“It was as good a race as he’s ever run,” said Steve Asmussen, who trains Direct Dial. “It was a solid time and it was a quality field. It was his ninth stakes win and it put him over $500,000 in earnings. It was a very significant win.”

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Direct Dial matched strides with Mr Money Bags in the stretch before proving best. The horses each have won Texas-bred of the year titles. Mr Money Bags runs back in an allowance Sunday at Lone Star, while plans are pending for Direct Dial.

“I haven’t seen anything obvious for him,” Asmussen said.

There are no more stakes for the horse’s division this meet at Lone Star. Direct Dial races for his breeder, Will Farish.

“We’re very proud of him,” Asmussen said. “There’s a lot of Texas pride and joy there.”

◗ Louisiana Downs announced that its annual charity golf tournament benefiting the local racetrack chaplaincy program will be held Sept. 1. Those wishing to play should contact the racing office by Aug. 25.