Awesome Gem wins Lone Star Handicap, overcomes Game on Dude
Awesome Gem thundered to a tumultuous win in the $300,000 Lone Star Park Handicap. The Grade 3 event took place on May 30, 2011.
With 5-1 odds to win, the eight-year old Gelding proved he still has what it takes to win. Although, he had come in second position in last year’s Lone Star Handicap with David Romero Flores as his jockey.
In this year’s Lone Star Handicap, Awesome Gem had the services of Robby Albarado as his jockey. His trainer, Craig Dollase, who was buoyant over the win, exclaimed “What a warrior”.
Dollase conditions Awesome Gem for West Point Thoroughbreds. With this win his career earnings have soared to $2,508,270. This was Awesome Gem’s eighth victory in forty-three life time starts.
Lone Star Park Handicap is considered to be the richest racing event of the Lone Star’s Stakes Memorial Day Card. The million day program consists of six other races, which are held in Texas.
The Lone Star Park Handicap began with Awesome Gem in fourth position. The lead was held by Lydia’s Last Step. Lydia’s Last Step faced competition from Game On Dude while the six furlongs were covered in 1 minute and 11.20 seconds.
Game On Dude was ridden by Martin Garcia, who prevented Awesome Gem, from claiming an early victory. The fractions posted by Game On Dude were of 24 seconds and 47 seconds. He was moving on the outside on the final turn with Awesome Gem just behind him in
third.
The eight-year old chestnut then advanced as the race reached the half mile pole and then entered three wide into the stretch managing to win the race in a final time of 1 minute and 43.48 seconds.
Robby Albarado commented on the spectacular win “When I called on him, he came with his run. He broke really well and put himself in the race, I was worried about him backing up a little bit but he was fine up the backside and content”.
Awesome Gem was entered in the Lone Star Handicap after coming off a fourth position finish in the Grade 3 Alysheba Stakes on May 6, 2011 at Churchill Downs.
Awesome Gem was foaled in Kentucky to Pentelicus mare, Piano. He was bought by West Point Thoroughbreds for $150,000 from Crupi's New Castle Farm at the 2005 Barretts March 2-year old sale. It is hoped that he continues to win and maintains his repute as
a major stakes contender.
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