Texas Bling holds off favorite in Assault

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Texas Bling won the $50,000 Assault Stakes at Lone Star Park for the second year in a row Saturday night, holding off the favorite Texas Air by a half-length. It was another three lengths back in third to He Has Bling.

The Assault was one of four restricted stakes on the annual Stars of Texas program. Last Bubbles won the $50,000 Valor Farm Stakes for the third year in a row. The program was rounded out by a pair of $100,000 divisions of the Texas Thoroughbred Association Sales Futurity, one captured by Fleet Grey and the other by Texas Chrome.

Texas Bling ($22.60) was prominent in the Assault as Supermason set a pressured pace of 22.96 seconds for the opening quarter, 46.72 for the half-mile, and 1:11.94 for six furlongs. Texas Bling overtook that one then held off Texas Air, winner of the Grade 3 Texas Mile in May, to cover the mile in 1:38.74.

“We were thrilled with the way the horse responded,” said winning trainer Danele Durham.

Texas Bling, who was ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., races for breeder Hall’s Family Trust. The Assault, for 3-year-olds and up bred in Texas, was the horse’s first start since March.

“He was coming off a layoff,” Durham said. “It was a quick try to get him ready. Mr. Hall knew we were hurrying, but it meant so much to win this race back to back. We’re just thrilled.”

He Has Bling, who was third, also races for Hall’s Family Trust and is trained by Durham.

Durham said next-race plans for Texas Bling are to be determined. Following the close of the Lone Star meet next week, he will ship to Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

Three-peat for Lasting Bubbles

Lasting Bubbles darted to a length win over Everything Bling, who is a full sister to Texas Bling, in the Valor Farm. It was another four lengths back in third to Infectious.

Lasting Bubbles ($3.40) was prominent from the start, taking over the pacesetter Prada’s Bling through a half-mile in 45.18. The eventual winner went on to cover the six furlongs for fillies and mares bred in Texas in 1:10.75.

“She’s a runner,” said winning jockey Luis Quinonez.

Kevin Peek trains Lasting Bubbles for Judy Peek. Lasting Bubbles was winning her eighth career stakes race Saturday.

Asmussen gets 10th fillies TTA

Trainer Steve Asmussen won the fillies division of the TTA Sales Futurity for the 10th time in his career when Fleet Grey held off first-time starter Josie the E F Five by a neck. It was another 7 1/2 lengths back in third to Flashy G.

Fleet Grey ($2.40) bounded to the lead Saturday and set fractions of 22.19 for the opening quarter and 45.79 for the half-mile. She went on to cover five furlongs in 59.13. Santana was aboard for his first of two stakes wins on the night. Fleet Grey, who came into the race off a debut win at Churchill Downs, is owned by Clark Brewster.

Asmussen’s past winners of the fillies division of the TTA Sales Futurity are Falling Star (2012); Bridesmaid (2008); Miss Mary Pat (2006); Covered In Clover (2005); Berdelia (2004); Bluegrass Sara (2003); Smoke Buster (2001); Louetta (2000); and Maddie’s Promise (1999).

Texas Chrome rallies from next to last

Texas Chrome rallied from next to last for a 2 1/4 length win in the colts and geldings division of the TTA Sales Futurity. Fred’s Lucky Boy was second, while it was another nose back in third to Break Free.

Texas Chrome ($17) covered five furlongs in 59.15 seconds. Deshawn Parker was aboard for Danny Keene and trainer Shea Stuart.

** Lone Star handled $1,151,807 on its 10-race card from all sources Saturday night, with $864,260 of that amount bet offtrack.