Hotstepper looks like champ in Texas Classic Derby win

Hotstepper furthered his case for 3-year-old champion Quarter Horse of 2018 when he won the Grade 1, $375,610 Texas Classic Derby on Saturday night at Lone Star Park. Earlier this year, the horse won the Grade 1, $1.2 million All American Derby at Ruidoso Downs.

The Texas Classic Derby shared a card with the Grade 1, $1 million Texas Classic Futurity, which was won by Flying Cowboy 123. His stablemate, All American Futurity winner Apocalyptical Jess, finished sixth after breaking last of all. Both horses are trained by Blane Wood.

Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath trains Hotstepper ($5.20), who broke well from the rail and rallied for a head win over Curls Happy Wagon. Hotstepper covered 440 yards on a fast track in 21.61 seconds. Cody Jensen was aboard for the partnership of Johnny Cope, R.D. Hubbard, Rafter W Stables, and Henry Southway.

Flying Cowboy 123 ($8.20) was always prominent in the Texas Classic Futurity, fighting for a head win over Eagles Fly High. He covered 400 yards in 19.69 seconds. Ricky Ramirez was aboard for Paragon Farms.

It was the fifth Texas Classic Futurity win for Ramirez and the second for Paragon Farm.

The rich races closed out the meet at Lone Star.