Lone Star Park – Jerry Windham's Stolis Winner made good on his name with a win in the $342,431 Texas Classic Derby (G1) on Saturday night at Lone Star Park. The bay gelding posted a :21.267 over 440 yards on a fast track to earn a speed index of 103.
Heading into the race, Stolis Winner shared the favorite spot with fastest qualifier, Jess Zoomin.The barnmates, both trained by Heath Taylor, didn't finish far behind. Stolis Winner edged out Ramon Sanchez and Jess Zoomin by 1/2 length. Another 1 and 3/4 length back were Vrrroom, owned by James E. and Marilyn Helzer and Eye Follies, owned by Michael A. Pohl in a dead heat for third with a :21.627
Lately, Stolis Winner has had trouble getting away from the gate, but he broke cleanly Saturday.
After the race, trainer Heath Taylor said, "We felt like we just needed a little luck out of the gate. We stood in and schooled him in the gate in the mornings and we changed his shoes for this race. When he got away on even terms it was just a phenomenal sigh of relief. He and Jess Zoomin ran a really pretty race."
Jess Zoomin, owned by Jess Zoomin Partners, picked up $75,335 for the second place effort.
"He warmed up really really well. Heath had him ready tonight," said winning jockey G. R. Carter, Jr.
"He was full of energy and I knew he was going to run well as soon I got him on the paddock. I was confident once he broke well because I know what kind of horse he (Stolis Winner) is down the racetrack."
The bay gelding has 11 wins in 15 starts. The Texas Classic Derby (G1) win put $152,382 more in the career earnings of Stolis Winner, allowing the reigning world champion to pass the $2 million mark. His career earnings are now $2,030,63, third behind all-time leading money earner, Refrigerator with $2,126,309 and just shy of World Champion, Blues Girl Too with $2,032,328.
Bred by owner Jerry Windham, Stolis Winner is by Stoli out of Veva Jean by Runaway Winner.
Full results: Stolis Winner, Jess Zoomin, Vrrroom, Eye Follies, Lake View Dreams, Lethal Delight, Skyline Lover, Fearless Fritz, Mr Queens Mystery, Zimalue
In the $1.1 million Texas Classic Futurity, the Taylor trained Fire And Corona was bumped at the start but recovered to earn a third place finish. The race was run in track record setting time. The colt took home $121,594 for owners Denis and Julie Schoenhofer.
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Taylor Runs 1-2 in Texas Classic Derby, 3rd in Futurity