Heroic Move settled in, targeting Steve Sexton Mile repeat

Heroic Move is settled in at Lone Star Park after dominating the $200,000 Sunland Park Handicap earlier this month. He won by eight lengths and for the effort earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 91.

“He’s doing good,” said trainer Robertino Diodoro. “He’s at Lone Star now and hopefully he can defend his title as the Steve Sexton Mile winner. That’s what we’re pointing towards again.”

Heroic Move won the Grade 3, $400,000 race last year. The renewal is set for May 26.

Heroic Move is now 5 and seems to be a better horse this year.

“I think he is in many different ways, including physically,” said Diodoro. “He’s filled out a little bit more. He’s doing very well right now.”

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Take Charge Tom eyes Texas Derby

Take Charge Tom, who won the $125,000 Mine That Bird Derby on the undercard of the Sunland Park Handicap, also has an upcoming stakes option at Lone Star Park.

"He’s pointing for the Texas Derby,” said Diodoro.

The $300,000 race, which will be run at 1 1/16 miles, is May 26. It shares a card with the Steve Sexton Mile.

Take Charge Tom was winning his second derby at the Sunland meet, as he captured the Riley Allison Derby in January. He is 4 for 5. Take Charge Tom was a 2 3/4-length winner of the Mine That Bird Derby.

“I was impressed with his race,” Diodoro said. “I think this was the first time he leveled off and decided to run from the top of the lane to the wire and he galloped out good. So, it’s just one of those signs that he’s showing that he’s slowly maturing.”

Diodoro, who has a division at Lone Star, also has another horse pointing for a stakes on the May 26 card. He said Redline is a candidate for the $100,000 Speightstown.

The races help make for the annual Lone Star Million Day.

Ring the Bell at Lone Star

Lone Star Park will be offering the same Ring the Bell aftercare fundraising program that long has been in place at Oaklawn and that was new this meet at Sam Houston Race Park.

The track has informed horsemen that donations made when ringing the bell after a race are earmarked for the Texas Thoroughbred Association’s Paddock Foundation.

The following words adorn the bell, according to Lone Star: "This bell rings for the love and respect of Thoroughbreds."

Lone Star opened its meet last week and the season will run into July.

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