Faxamillion carries Asmussen's streak into Texas Heritage

Faxamillion bids to extend trainer Steve Asmussen's stakes streak at Sam Houston Race Park when he starts as the probable favorite in Saturday night's $30,000 Texas Heritage. The race, at one-mile for 3-year-olds, in the past has produced prospects for the $500,000 Lone Star Derby.

Asmussen, who has run off with the lead in the trainer standings this meet, has won a stakes at Sam Houston each of the past four weekends. His streak started Feb. 16 when he saddled Captain Countdown to win the $30,000 Jersey Village. It continued Feb. 23 with Sly Kona, who won the $30,000 Katy. A week later, Faxamillion won the $30,000 Spindletop, and then last weekend, Sly Kona won again, this time taking the $30,000 Sam Houston Oaks.

Faxamillion, who won the first two starts of his career as a 2-year-old, became a stakes winner in the Spindletop, closing from several lengths off the pace to win the seven-furlong sprint impressively. The Texas Heritage will be his first start around two turns.

"He looks like a horse who wants a route of ground," Asmussen said.

Faxamillion will be ridden by Casey Lambert.

Glen Murphy will ride Padlock, who trainer James R. Jones labeled one of his most promising colts when he launched his training career at the start of the Sam Houston meet in November, after having worked as an assistant trainer for Frank Brothers. Padlock has made good on his trainer's word, winning his debut by 6 1/2 lengths Nov. 23, then tackling two turns with ease in his most recent start, winning a conditioned allowance Jan. 23 by 5 1/4 lengths.

Another contender is Revered Soldier, who has won his last two starts for owner-breeder John Franks and trainer Eddie Milligan. He will be ridden by Sidney LeJeune.

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