Torts On Fire scores first career win in Texas Classic Futurity

Torts On Fire picked an opportune time to win the first race of his career in the richest race in Texas.

Torts On Fire, a 2-year-old Quarter Horse, closed from sixth for a head win over Bay Eagle Glory in the $860,519 Texas Classic Futurity. The Grade 1 race closed out the meet at Lone Star Park.

Torts On Fire ($27.80) never had run worse than third in his four career starts leading up to the Texas Classic. He covered the 400 yards in 19.84 seconds on a track rated fast. Ricky Ramirez rode the winner for trainer Trey Wood.

Torts On Fire races for Terry and Irene Stennett. He is a son of Walk Thru Fire and was bred in Oklahoma by Dunn Ranch Ltd.

Lethal Strike, who was the favorite, ran fifth, beaten three heads and a nose.

Also on the card, Lil Famous Dash ($27.40) wired the field for a neck win in the Grade 1, $291,868 Texas Classic Derby. Rodrigo Vallejo was aboard the filly for Scarlett Hill Farm and trainer Judd Kearl.

** Lone Star announced Saturday night after the races that horses that qualified for the Texas Classic Futurity had been under close surveillance by both Texas Racing Commission officials and seven additional investigators and veterinarians from other states leading up to the finale Saturday.

“It's a team that has been employed for the Breeders' Cup races and the All American Futurity, so as soon as it was suggested by the Texas Racing Commission, we were eager to collaborate with them,” said Scott Wells, president and general manager of Lone Star. “Thanks to the financial support of the American Quarter Horse Association and the good folks at Racing Free, we were able to bring these folks in for this special occasion.”

The team also conducted searches in the stable area.