Hotstepper targets Texas Classic Derby

Hotstepper is in the house for the Lone Star Park meet for Quarter Horses, which opens Friday night. The winner of the Grade 1, $1.2 million All American Derby, Hotstepper is one of the highest-profile runners on the grounds for the 16-date season, which runs through Nov. 10.

“He’s doing real good,” trainer Sleepy Gilbreath said Wednesday.

Gilbreath said Hotstepper is targeting the Oct. 19 trials for the Grade 1, $400,000 Texas Classic Derby. The finale is Nov. 10.

The richest race on the stakes calendar is the $1 million Texas Classic Futurity, also Nov. 10. Apocalyptical Jess, winner of the Grade 1, $3 million All American Futurity earlier this month at Ruidoso Downs, is probable for the Oct. 20 trials for the Texas Classic Futurity, according to his trainer, Blane Wood.

◗ A memorial service for trainer Dana Whited, who died last week at the age of 52, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday. It will be held in the winner’s circle at Louisiana Downs.