Galactica faces small, strong field in Stymie Stakes

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Galactica is the lone horse proven at two turns in the $65,000 Stymie division of the Texas Stallion Stakes on Sunday at Lone Star Park, but the one-mile race is not short on quality runners.

There are four stakes winners in the six-horse field, including Direct Dial, who is looking to complete a sweep of the Texas Stallion Stakes series for his crop after taking divisions at Retama Park and Sam Houston.

The Stymie division at Lone Star is for 3-year-old colts and geldings by eligible stallions.

KEY CONTENDERS

Galactica, by Uncle Abbie
Last 3 Beyers: 79-61-80

◗ He’s won 3 of 5 starts, including last year’s $105,000 colts-and-geldings division of the Texas Thoroughbred Futurity at Lone Star. Galactica made his two-turn debut in his second start of the year last out, tracking the pace for a head win over open foes April 22 at Lone Star.

“I didn’t think it was necessarily impressive. I thought it was workmanlike,” trainer Bret Calhoun said. “In his defense, I don’t think I really had him as ready for that race as I would have liked. I thought it was a good prep to come into this race.”

◗ Calhoun said Galactica’s start one race prior was not the kind of race he wanted for the horse following a layoff. Galactica was part of a blazing pace when finishing third in the Jim’s Orbit division of the Texas Stallion Stakes on March 17 at Sam Houston. It was his first race since last July.

“We wanted to settle off the pace and be closing,” Calhoun said. “He was put in a speed duel. It took a little toll on him. I had to back off, let him catch his breath off that race a little bit. It hindered getting ready for the two turns.

“I’m happy with him and look for a better race Sunday.”

◗ Galactica made a splash last year at Lone Star, winning a maiden special weight sprint for 2-year-olds with a Beyer Speed Figure of 79 and then getting an 80 one start later in the Texas Thoroughbred Futurity.

◗ Richard Eramia has the mount from post 6 for owners Carl Moore and Brad Grady.

Direct Dial, by Too Much Bling
Last 3 Beyers: 80-76-79

◗ He could go favored as he returns to races restricted to 3-year-olds off a third-place finish to multiple stakes winner Supermason in the $50,000 Blue Bonnet on April 19 at Lone Star. The 80 Beyer that Direct Dial earned is the best last-race number in the Stymie.