(Grand Prairie, Texas - Wednesday, October 22, 2014) - This year's edition of the Texas Classic Derby trials feature some stellar contenders. A total of 36 three-year-olds have drawn into four 440 yard trial races Friday, October 24. Each will compete for one of the 10 coveted spots in the Derby final. Of the 10 races carded Friday, the four trials are races six through nine. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. First race is 6:35 p.m. (CDT). The 10 fastest times from the trials will advance to the Derby final on Saturday, November 15.

In the sixth race take a look at this year’s Grade 1 Rainbow Derby winner, Houdini. Like his nemesis, the three-year-old son of Valiant Hero out of Pure Oklahoma, by Takin On the Cash appears to possess some magic! Sporting career earnings of $1,096,238 from efforts of 14-8-3-2, he finished third by less than a neck in his last, the Grade 1 All American Derby at Ruidoso in August. Last year at two, he was second in the Texas Classic Futurity here at Lone Star Park.

Houdini is owned by Ellen Kennedy LLC and trained by Luis Villafranco. Regular rider Cody Jensen ships in for the mount.

Race seven has two stand-outs, the first of which is Separatists Firstdown, a three-year-old colt by Separatist out of Shesa Firstdown Jess, by First Down Dash. Owned by the partnership of Oscar Canales Ramirez & Isidro Flores and trained by the latter, has won four of his six races this year including most recently the Firecracker Derby at Delta Downs in July. His career record is 16-11-3-0 with earnings of $426,541.

Also in the seventh, take a look at Grade 1 winner, Big Dashing Perry. The Toby Keeton trainee won the Grade 1 Firecracker Futurity as a two-year-old. This year at three he was third in the Grade 3 Sam Houston Derby last April, and after winning his trial by one and one-quarter lengths, and after a troubled start, finished fourth in the All American Derby at Ruidoso in August.

A gelding by Mr Jess Perry out of Marcys Dashin Bye, by Dashin Bye, Big Dashing Perry’s record reads 8-5-0-2 with earnings of $321,901. He is owned by the partnership of Tommy Hays, Bobby Barnett & Grant Farms LLC and will be ridden by all-time leading quarter horse jockey, G. R. Carter, Jr.

Those are just a few of the outstanding individuals competing Friday night, so come witness their awesomeness yourself! What better way to spend a Friday Night?

Additional Notes: The jockey's race is staying contentious with Luis Vivanco on the lead with 16 wins through Saturday, October 18. Damien Martinez is one win back with 15 ... Brian Stroud has the lead in the trainer standings with nine wins.

On The Track:  Remember that every Thursday night is Senior Citizens' night and Military Discount night. All senior citizens', age 62 or older with a valid I.D., or members of any branch of the military, with a valid military I.D., receive free general admission.

Pepsi Can Offer every Thursday. Bring any Pepsi can to Lone Star Park and receive a Pepsi track pack good for One (1) Free General Admission and One (1) Free Large Pepsi. This offer is only available in the Grandstand for live racing.

At The Bar & Book: Join us at Bar & Book for happy hour! Happy hour is available from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and includes $3.25 well drinks and $2.25 select domestic drafts! Plus, don't miss our $5 drink menu that is always available with signature drinks unique to Bar & Book. *Excludes Live Racing Days.

Join us at Bar & Book each Thursday night to play in the World Poker Tour Amateur Poker League! Two sessions will be available each Thursday, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and it is completely free to play. Compete for a $50 mutuel voucher each session, a $250 mutuel voucher monthly and more than $150,000 in cash and prizes awarded annually by the WPT Amateur Poker League!  *No purchase necessary to play

Breeders' Cup Preview Party! - Saturday, October 25  Join us on Saturday, October 25 at the Bar & Book to receive expert analysis on the Breeders' Cup races from our panel. Plus, the first 200 in attendance will receive One (1) free Daily Racing Form: Breeders' Cup Advance Edition! It all begins at 10:30 a.m.

Panel Includes:
Ticket Personality - Norm Hitzges
Award-Winning Turf Writer - Gary West
Track Handicapper - Rick Lee
Track Announcer - John Lies