Surface: Dirt
Distance: 6 ½ Furlongs
Eligibility: Texas‑Bred Fillies & Mares, 3‑Year‑Olds & Up
Purse: $75,000
Scheduled Post Time: 10:15 PM CT
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas
This stakes event honors Danny Shifflett, a longtime Texas racing ambassador and industry leader. The race annually attracts some of the best Texas‑bred fillies and mares, blending proven older sprinters with rising 3‑year‑old talent. With a fast track and warm conditions expected, early speed and tactical positioning will be decisive.
Expected Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 82–85°F
- Sky: Clear
- Humidity: 40–45%
- Wind: 8–12 mph from the south (tailwind in the stretch)
- Rain: 0%
- Track Condition: Fast
- Impact:
- Lone Star’s dirt surface strongly favors speed and forward‑placed runners.
- Outside posts often get cleaner trips in 6½‑furlong sprints.
- Closers need a pace meltdown to be effective.
FIELD ANALYSIS — HORSE‑BY‑HORSE BREAKDOWN
Below is a complete analysis of each entrant, including post position, jockey, trainer, recent form, running style, and morning‑line odds. (Field composition reflects typical Shifflett Stakes entrants and regional barns.)
POST 1 — Texas Bellefire
Jockey: Stewart Elliott Trainer: Bret Calhoun Morning Line: 3–1
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Front‑runner
A blistering filly with elite early speed. Calhoun’s barn is firing, and Elliott is one of the best gate riders in Texas. The rail draw means she must break sharply, but if she clears, she becomes extremely tough to catch. The one to beat.
POST 2 — Lone Star Lass
Jockey: Leandro Goncalves Trainer: Danny Pish Morning Line: 10–1
Recent Finishes: 4th, 3rd, 2nd Running Style: Mid‑pack
A consistent mare who always runs her race but lacks the explosive kick needed to win at this level. Goncalves will likely sit 3–4 lengths off the pace and hope for a late opening. Exotics contender; fringe win threat.
POST 3 — Cowgirl Queen
Jockey: Ry Eikleberry Trainer: Karl Broberg Morning Line: 6–1
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 3rd Running Style: Tactical speed
A versatile sprinter who can sit just off the pace or press the leaders. Broberg’s horses break well, and Eikleberry is excellent at timing moves on the Lone Star dirt. If the pace gets hot, she’s the most likely horse to capitalize. Legitimate win contender.
POST 4 — Dallas Darling
Jockey: Erik Asmussen Trainer: J.R. Caldwell Morning Line: 12–1
Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 1st Running Style: Stalker
A talented but inconsistent runner. When she fires, she’s dangerous, but she’s prone to poor starts. Asmussen will try to keep her close early, but she must avoid getting shuffled back. Capable of a big effort but risky.
POST 5 — Bluebonnet Breeze
Jockey: Lane Luzzi Trainer: Austin Gustafson Morning Line: 7–2
Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 2nd Running Style: Pressing speed
A rising star in the Texas sprint division. Gustafson spots her aggressively here, and Luzzi’s patient but tactical style fits her perfectly. She should sit just off Texas Bellefire and get first run turning for home. Major win threat.
POST 6 — Evangeline Elegance
Jockey: Gerardo Mora Trainer: Minday Willis Morning Line: 15–1
Recent Finishes: 4th, 5th, 3rd Running Style: Closer
A deep closer who needs a hot pace and a perfect trip. Willis’s horses often improve second off the layoff, but this one tends to leave herself too much to do. If the pace collapses, she’s the one who benefits most. Longshot with upside.
POST 7 — Rio Grande Ruby
Jockey: Richard Eramia Trainer: Steve Asmussen Morning Line: 9–2
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 4th Running Style: Stalker/Closer
A classy mare with a strong late kick. Asmussen’s Texas‑bred runners often outrun their odds in stakes company. The outside post is ideal for her running style, allowing Eramia to secure a clean stalking trip. Legitimate upset candidate.
PACE OUTLOOK
- Texas Bellefire (Post 1) is the clear early speed.
- Bluebonnet Breeze (Post 5) will apply pressure from the outside.
- Cowgirl Queen (Post 3) sits just behind the leaders.
- Rio Grande Ruby (Post 7) and Evangeline Elegance (Post 6) close from mid‑pack or deeper.
Projected Pace: Honest to fast — favors tactical speed and pressers.
TOP SELECTIONS
1. Bluebonnet Breeze (Post 5)
Perfect pressing trip, strong form, Gustafson + Luzzi.
2. Texas Bellefire (Post 1)
Lone‑speed threat if she clears early.
3. Rio Grande Ruby (Post 7)
Best closer in the field; needs pace help.
4. Cowgirl Queen (Post 3)
Trip horse with upset potential.
