Giant Gizmo takes Lone Star Cap

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas-Giant Gizmo gave jockey Garrett Gomez his second straight win in the Grade 3, $400,000 Lone Star Park Handicap on Monday, with a two-length victory Zanjero. It was another two lengths back in third to Stella Mark. Gomez also won the race last year with Bob and John.

The Lone Star was the co-richest race of the meet, and one of six stakes worth a cumulative $1.1 million on the annual Lone Star Million Day card. The program was the richest day of racing in Texas.

Giant Gizmo ($4.40) broke a step slowly in the mile and a sixteenth race, and went into the first turn four wide as Encaustic, One Lucky Buck and Beta Capo moved to the lead. Giant Gizmo stalked them through fractions of 23.31 seconds for the opening quarter, and 46.86 for the half-mile. He advanced four wide on the final turn to take the lead just past the quarter pole, then kicked on as Zanjero made his bid in the stretch. Giant Gizmo covered the distance on a track rated fast in 1:43.01.

The horse I was really most worried about was [Zanjero], said Gomez. Ive ridden him and I know what kind of horse he is. I knew he would be coming late, so I didnt want to sit there and wait on him. I wanted to make sure I got a jump on him.

Giant Gizmo races for Stronach Stables and is trained by Bobby Frankel. The Lone Star was the third straight win for Giant Gizmo, whose streak began in a $100,000 optional claiming race at Santa Anita in February. From there, he won the Grade 3 Alysheba at Churchill in May.