GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (June 14, 2008) – Clarence Scharbauer Jr.’s Gold Coyote, conditioned by Bret Calhoun, proved to be too much to handle for his seven rivals as he captured the $50,000 Carter McGregor Jr. Memorial Stakes by four-and-a-half lengths at Lone Star Park on Saturday.
Ridden by Bobby Walker Jr., Gold Coyote contested the early pace while racing just inside of stablemate Snuck By. After getting the opening quarter-mile in 22.25, and the half-mile in 45.18, Gold Coyote took command at the top of the stretch and completed the six-furlong assignment in 1:10.11. Aggies Rule finished second, three lengths ahead of Snuck By in third.
“It looked like we (#3 Snuck By with jockey Cliff Berry) were the two speed horses,” said winning jockey Bobby Walker, Jr. “We got away with Cliff about a half a length in front of me the first quarter of a mile. By the half-mile pole, my horse got into the bridle and cruised me up there without asking. From there on, I just had more horse than anybody.
“We always thought sprinting was his best,” explained Calhoun. “There was a lot of money out there routing. We had to take a shot at those races. We definitely will keep him sprinting from here on out.
“When you go against older horses the first time, you’re always concerned. Everything went right and he’s back on track,” added Calhoun.
With the win, Gold Coyote improved his record to five wins from10 starts, including four wins from six starts at Lone Star Park, and he increased his career earnings to $234,950. Calhoun indicated that the Harold V. Goodman Memorial Stakes at Lone Star Park on Stars of Texas Day on July 12 will be next for Gold Coyote.
Gold Coyote paid $3.80, $2.80, $2.20, runner-up Aggies Rule returned $11.60, $5.00, and Snuck By paid $2.60 for show. Toga Too, Goosey Moose, Seneca Summer, Mucho Gato, and War Bridle completed the order of finish.
Gold Coyote wasn’t the only highlight for winning trainer Bret Calhoun on Saturday at Lone Star Park. On the 10-race program, Calhoun trained five winners. Dyna’s Diva ($4.20) in the first, C E P A’s Forum ($4.00) in the fourth, Risky Weather ($6.40) in the sixth, Gold Coyote ($3.80) in the ninth and Oh Oleg ($4.40) in the 10th.
Lone Star Park, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, will run its 65-day Spring Thoroughbred Season from April 10 through July 27, 2008 with live racing every Thursday through Sunday. The first live race begins at 6:35 p.m. on weeknights and 1:35 p.m. on weekends and Monday, May 26, with two special 5 p.m. twilight programs on July 3-4 that include post-race fireworks. Additional information on Lone Star Park can be found online at www.lonestarpark.com.
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