(Grand Prairie, Texas - Wednesday, October 16, 2019) - It's going to be a fast and spooky Friday night at the races at Lone Star Park! First up is a visit from the Headless Horseman, followed by 47 three-year-old Quarter Horses divided into five trials, of which the fastest 10 of the lot will advance to the Texas Classic Derby (G1) final on closing night of the 2019 Quarter Horse racing season on Saturday, November 9.

A total of 12 races are scheduled Friday. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. First race post time is 6:05 p.m. The Headless Horseman will make an appearance after race 3, at approximately 7:10 p.m. The first Texas Classic Derby Trial is race 7, with post time at 8:53 p.m.

Horses to watch in the Texas Classic Derby Trials

In race 7, the first of the five trials, is last year's Texas Classic Futurity winner, Flying Cowboy 123. The colt by Apollitical Jess is a half-brother to 2011 Texas Classic Derby winner Cold Cash 123. Both are out of Hot Cash 123, a mare by Takin On the Cash. Owned by Paragon Farms LLC and trained by J. J. Gonzalez, II, Flying Cowboy 123 has career earnings of $889,176 from a record of 11-6-2-1. He placed fourth in the Ruidoso Derby (G1) in June and most recently was moved from fourth to third in the All American Derby because of the disqualification of Valiant Tiberias, who after a rider's objection was placed from fourth to eighth. He has drawn the rail in this and will be ridden by Ricky Ramirez.

In race 8, Rogelio Marquez, Jr.'s American Hussle most recently was placed from sixth to fifth in the All American Derby because of the disqualification mentioned above. The colt, by also Apollitical Jess, is out of Charming Cartel, by Corona Cartel. He has one win and two seconds this year from five starts, earning $102,704. American Hussle will break from post position two. Marcos Carrizales trains and James Flores will ride.

Midday News in race 9 is another All American Derby competitor moved up a position by the disqualification. A gelded son of Fdd Dynasty out of Summer Love Song, by Mr Jess Perry, ran third in the West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland in April and finished fifth in the Ruidoso Derby (G1) in June. Michael Joiner trains for owning partners Linda Joiner, Pat Smith, Izora Southway, Holly King and Kelly Allen. Raul Ramirez, Jr. will be aboard.

Sera Jess Fine V, trained by Toby Keeton and owned by Valeriano Racing Stables LLC, has drawn the outside post in race 10. A filly by Jess Lips out of Sera Fina, by Corona Cartel, Sera Jess Fine V won her All American Derby trial but failed to qualify. She finished fourth in the First Down Dash Stakes at Ruidoso last month.

In the final trial, race 11, watch for Jordan Eagle. A son of One Famous Eagle out of Pyc Prize Doll, by Pyc Paint Your Wagon, he hasn't had a start this year but is still a standout in this field. Last year, he won the Dash for Cash Juvenile Stakes here at Lone Star Park and then went to Louisiana, winning the Evangeline Downs Futurity. The colt has three published works at Retama. On August 24, he went 220 yards breezing from the gates in :13.45. On September 1, he also went 220 yards breezing in :12.22, and on September 11, he worked 220 yards in :12.40 breezing. The track was listed fast for all three of the workouts.