Gold Coyote rates, wins

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The quick Gold Coyote and his rider, Bobby Walker Jr., utilized a different game plan on Saturday to win the $50,000 Express at Lone Star Park. Instead of being part of the pace, Gold Coyote settled in third off dueling leaders Orphan Brigade and Wind Water, then overtook them in the stretch for a 1 1/4-length win.

"I didn't want to die in a speed duel," Walker said. "My horse is capable of doing that. Things turned out well."

Orphan Brigade and Wind Water dueled through fractions of 22.05 for the opening quarter and 44.90 for the half-mile in the six-furlong race. Gold Coyote ($10.40) began to pick up steam on the turn, and went on to cover the distance in the slop in 1:09.73.

Wind Water held second, a half-length in front of third-place finisher Por Que. Gold Coyote, who has won a number of stakes on the lead, earned $30,000 for the win. It was his ninth from 16 starts and he has now earned $363,250 for his owner and breeder, Clarence Scharbauer Jr.