The $200,000 Lone Star Derby is going green. The race will be run on
turf for the first time next year as part of a 19-race, $2.1 million
stakes schedule that was released by Lone Star Park officials Wednesday.
The meet will begin April 14.
The Lone Star Derby, which lost its Grade 3 status for 2011, will
have a fresh look next season. In addition to being moved from dirt to
turf, the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds will be run as part of the
annual Lone Star Million Day program on May 30. This past meet, the Lone
Star Derby – won by Game on Dude – was held May 8.
The Million Day card will include six stakes worth a cumulative $1
million. It is led by the meet’s richest race, the Grade 3, $300,000
Lone Star Park Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles. Other
top races on the card will include the Grade 3, $200,000 Ouija Board
Distaff for fillies and mares at a mile on turf and the $150,000 Dallas
Turf Cup for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on turf.
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