Hal's Hope upset in Texas Mile

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - For the sixth time in six runnings, the favorite was beaten in the Grade 3, $300,000 at Lone Star Park on Saturday when Unrullah Bull, a $25,000 claim a year ago, darted clear in the stretch to win the race by 1 1/2 lengths. Hal's Hope, the 6-5 favorite, finished fourth.

Reba's Gold finished second, 1 1/2 lengths clear of third-place finisher Compendium.

"This is the biggest purse I've ever won, and the best claim I've ever made," said Cole Norman, who trains Unrullah Bull for owner Jim Donnan.

Unrullah Bull ($15.20) raced several lengths off the pace in seventh early, while Hal's Hope led the field through an opening five furlongs in 59.42 seconds.

Unrullah Bull angled outside of horses midway on the final turn and began his bid, rallying past leader Compendium in the stretch. He covered a mile in 1:37.78, and was the fourth winner on the card for jockey Anthony Lovato.

Hal's Hope was knocked off stride at the top of the stretch when Mercenary was trying to find racing room along the rail, but after a brief inquiry, no change was made in the order of finish.

Unrullah Bull earned $180,000 for the win, which improved his career record to 9 wins from 30 starts for earnings of $429,410.