GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009) – Dan Nick’s Heza Marquette Maker, trained by Rick Robinson, led every step of the way in winning the 12th running of the $15,000 Lone Star Park Distance Championship, an 870-yard handicap for three-year-olds and upward, over a sealed, muddy track at Lone Star Park on Saturday night.
With Freddie Martinez in the irons, the sorrel Texas-bred son of Invisible Injun never had an anxious moment in recording a 3 ½-length victory, as an even money favorite, while covering the 870-yard distance in 44.985 seconds, for a speed index of 103. General Perry finished second, and it was another 2 1/2 lengths back to Big Bad N Brown in third.
With the win, the six-year-old gelding improved his lifetime record to 10 wins from 30 starts, including a 5-for-11 mark at Lone Star Park. With the $9,450 winner’s share of the purse, he increased his career earnings to $98,510.
Heza Marquette Maker paid $4.00, $2.60, $2.40, General Perry returned $4.20, $2.60 and Big Bad N Brown paid $2.40 to show. Sheza Bright Wood, and City Class completed the order of finish. Vital Winner and First Down Toro were scratched.