Game On Dude scores big in Lone Star Derby
Bob Baffert got his fourth victory in the 14-year history of the $200,000 Lone Star Derby (G3) on May 8 when Game On Dude defeated five 3-year-old rivals in the 1 1/16-mile event. The winning time was 1:44.61 over a fast track.
Game On Dude, who was ridden for the first time by Martin Garcia, was making his first start in blinkers. The dark bay or brown son of Awesome Again broke a little awkwardly, bumping a rival before settling into the third spot some six lengths off the lead. Garcia began to make his move on the far turn, coming three wide into the stretch to engage the pacesetter Henshin Hero. Getting no resistance, Game On Dude ran right by the front-runner to draw off for a 4 1/2-length victory.
Game On Dude was making his second start for Baffert in the Lone Star Derby after a private purchase by the Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stable, Diamond Pride, and Bernie Schiappa. In his first race for Baffert, he ran fifth in the Derby Trail (G3) at Churchill Downs April 24.
Baffert is the only trainer in the 14-year history of the Lone Star Derby to win it more than once. His prior wins came in 2009 with Mythical Power, Wanna Runner in 2006 and Anet in the 1997 inaugural running.
Game On Dude earned $122,000 for his second win in five starts and boosted his purse total to $157,258.