Direct Dial sweeps Texas Stallion Stakes series

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Direct Dial completed a sweep of the Texas Stallion Stakes series on Sunday, when he won the $65,000 Stymie division by 1 1/2 lengths over even-money favorite Galactica at Lone Star Park.

Direct Dial previously won the divisions for his crop at Retama Park and Sam Houston.

The Stymie was a mile race for 3-year-old colts and geldings by eligible stallions. It went with a field of five after the scratch of Final Arrow.

Direct Dial ($4.60 ) was making his two-turn debut and was prominent from the start, racing just off Silis through an opening quarter in 23.99 seconds. Direct Dial overtook that one after a half-mile in 47.75 seconds then comfortably held off a stretch bid from Galactia, who broke out and trailed early. Direct Dial covered the distance on a muddy, sealed track in 1:39.37.

“He was good and relaxed,” winning rider Iram Diego said. “In the end, we had a lot to finish [with].”

Diego was aboard for trainer Steve Asmussen. It was the ninth win the rider has had for Asmussen since Friday at Lone Star. Diego and Asmussen won four races on that night and came back to win another four Saturday.

Direct Dial earned $39,000 for the win Sunday, which was his fourth from nine starts. He has now earned $202,820. Direct Dial is a Texas-bred son of Too Much Bling who races for his breeder, W.S. Farish.

Swift Shock finished third in the Stymie.

Direct Dial won his career debut in April 2017 at Keeneland and from there ran second in last year's Tremont at Belmont Park.