(Grand Prairie, Texas - Thursday, September 13, 2012) - Lone Star Park's 2012 Fall Meeting of Champions for American Quarter Horses begins Friday, September 14 and runs through Saturday, November 10.

Opening weekend highlights include on Friday, five trials for the Grade 2, $150,000 Estimated Dash for Cash Derby, and on Saturday, there will be 14 trials for the Grade 1, $500,000 Estimated Dash for Cash Futurity.

Lone Star Park is hosting 17 stakes races over the 26-day meet worth a total of $2.475 million, which will conclude with the $1 million, Grade 1, Texas Classic Futurity to be run November 10, closing day.

The 26-day racing schedule will be conducted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and scheduled first race post time is 6:35 p.m. (CT). Gates will open early on Saturday, November 10 at 10:30 a.m. (CT) for simulcast of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Renovations Afoot at Lone Star Park

Racing fans will notice some changes when they arrive. On the heels of a multi-million dollar renovation of the Bar and Book, completed in December of 2011, Global Gaming Solutions continues to make steady improvements and upgrades intended to delight those attending Lone Star Park.

The most notable and progressive renovation this year is the installation of a massive high-definition, outdoor screen that will broadcast the races and other information related to Lone Star Park events and activities.

Patrons also will notice a freshening of the façade and other updates that will be completed before the opening of our Thoroughbred season in April 2013.

"These renovations and improvements are part of the overall plan that Global Gaming Solutions promised the Texas horsemen, and we believe these enhancements will continue to excite Lone Star Park patrons about all the facility has to offer," said John Elliott, CEO of Global Gaming LSP.

Trials Highlight Opening Weekend

Racing on opening night, Friday, September 14 will feature six trials for the Grade 2, $150,000 Estimated Dash for Cash Derby, and has drawn 52 contenders who will be competing to earn a spot as one of the top 10 qualifiers eligible to compete in the final, to be run at Lone Star Park on Saturday, September 29. The Dash for Cash Derby trials for three-year-olds going a distance of 440 yards will be races 4 through 9 on Friday night.

Among the top contenders is Samuel Valeriano's Jess Lips, trained by Eddie Willis, who was third by only a neck to all-time leading money earner, Ochoa, in the Grade 1, $903,774 Rainbow Derby last July at Ruidoso Downs. Jess Lips, with rider Jimmy Dean Brooks in the irons, has been made the 4-5 favorite in race 6.

Trainer Heath Taylor, who was second in the standings here last year, will send out The Lizard King in race 4 for owner Brett Mennen. The Valiant Hero colt, just missed by a neck in the Sam Houston Derby earlier this year and was the beaten favorite in the Firecracker at Delta Downs last July. The Lizard King has been assigned morning line odds of 2-1 and jockey John Hamilton has the riding assignment.

On Saturday, 14 trials are carded with a total 132 horses all-vying to be one of the top ten fastest and qualify for the Grade 1, $500,000 Estimated Dash for Cash Futurity for two-year-olds, going 400 yards. The futurity final will also be run on Saturday, September 29.

New and Improved

The Bar & Book has updated its fun and delicious Sports Bar menu launched in January with new additions including burgers, sandwiches, salads and the addition of breakfast items.

The new burgers now are available in single, double and a triple 3/4-pound offering. New sandwiches include a Philly Cheese Steak and Turkey Club and a new Jumbo Stuffed Jalapeno. New salads include a Steak and Blue salad, Hummus and a Blackened Chicken Vera Cruz.

Breakfast items now include Chicken & Waffles, Sausage & Biscuits, Bacon & Egg Sandwiches and a Pick 3 Omelet.

Prices begin at $8.

"The combination of creative new plates and traditional favorites add to the product offering of the Bar & Book as we continue to Create Winning Experiences for our customers," said Joe Mastellone, Bar & Book General Manager.