Surface: Dirt
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Eligibility: Texas‑Bred 3‑Year‑Olds & Up
Purse: $75,000
Scheduled Post Time: 8:15 PM CT
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas
The Ring The Bell Texas Stakes is one of the premier Texas‑bred sprint events of the Lone Star spring meet. This year’s edition features a mix of proven older sprinters, rising 3‑year‑olds, and versatile runners stretching out or cutting back. With warm weather and a fast track expected, early speed and tactical positioning will be decisive.
Expected Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 87–90°F
- Sky: Clear
- Humidity: 40–45%
- Wind: 10–14 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 6‑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 Texas‑bred stakes entrants and regional barns.)
POST 1 — Texas Thunderbolt
Jockey: Stewart Elliott Trainer: Bret Calhoun Morning Line: 3–1
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Front‑runner
A blistering sprinter with elite early speed. Calhoun’s barn is firing on all cylinders, and Elliott is one of the best gate riders in Texas. The rail draw means he must break sharply, but if he clears, he becomes extremely tough to catch. The one to beat.
POST 2 — Lone Star Lightning
Jockey: Leandro Goncalves Trainer: Danny Pish Morning Line: 10–1
Recent Finishes: 4th, 3rd, 2nd Running Style: Mid‑pack
A consistent gelding who always runs his 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 — Cowboy Comet
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, he’s the most likely horse to capitalize. Legitimate win contender.
POST 4 — Dallas Drifter
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 he fires, he’s dangerous, but he’s prone to poor starts. Asmussen will try to keep him close early, but he must avoid getting shuffled back. Capable of a big effort but risky.
POST 5 — Bluebonnet Blazer
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 him aggressively here, and Luzzi’s patient but tactical style fits him perfectly. He should sit just off Texas Thunderbolt and get first run turning for home. Major win threat.
POST 6 — Rio Red Raider
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 himself too much to do. If the pace collapses, he’s the one who benefits most. Longshot with upside.
POST 7 — Panhandle Prince
Jockey: Richard Eramia Trainer: Steve Asmussen Morning Line: 9–2
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 4th Running Style: Stalker/Closer
A classy sprinter with a strong late kick. Asmussen’s Texas‑bred runners often outrun their odds in stakes company. The outside post is ideal for his running style, allowing Eramia to secure a clean stalking trip. Legitimate upset candidate.
PACE OUTLOOK
- Texas Thunderbolt (Post 1) is the clear early speed.
- Bluebonnet Blazer (Post 5) will apply pressure from the outside.
- Cowboy Comet (Post 3) sits just behind the leaders.
- Panhandle Prince (Post 7) and Rio Red Raider (Post 6) close from mid‑pack or deeper.
Projected Pace: Honest to fast — favors tactical speed and pressers.
TOP SELECTIONS
1. Bluebonnet Blazer (Post 5)
Perfect pressing trip, strong form, Gustafson + Luzzi.
2. Texas Thunderbolt (Post 1)
Lone‑speed threat if he clears early.
3. Cowboy Comet (Post 3)
Trip horse with upset potential.
4. Panhandle Prince (Post 7)
Best closer in the field; needs pace help.
