Grand Prairie, Texas (Sunday, April 23, 2017) - Favorite Zippit E, trained by Bret Calhoun, sped her way to her fifth straight victory in Sunday's $50,000 Wayne Hanks Memorial Stakes at Lone Star Park. The four-year-old filly by My Golden Song went straight to the lead on the outside, racing in the three path through the turn. She drew clear of My Master Plan going into the stretch, with jockey Eddie Martin, Jr. giving a brisk hand ride to finish first by 1 3/4 lengths. Final time for the 6 1/2-furlong sprint was 1:19.32 over a fast main track. Fractions were :24.11 and :47.70.

My Master Plan, who was fractious in the gate, tracked in second on the rail until giving up the place to Valid Bride just before the finish. The finish was carbon copy of the Yellow Rose Stakes at Sam Houston in March.

Mutuels returned $5.40; $3.40 and $2.20. Valid Bride got up for second by a half-length, returning $6.00 and $3.00. My Master Plan held on by a neck for the show and returned $2.20. Jolie Mon, Eurodevilwoman, Easter Ellie, and Fancy Ticket completed the order. 

Zippit E increased her earnings to $116,621 for owners Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch. It was her fifth win from eight career starts.

Around the Track

Iram Diego and Steve Asmussen are off to a fantastic start. The jockey/trainer team bagged 11 wins over the four day opening weekend. Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez won five to be in second place of the early rider standings with Eddie Martin, Jr.; Lindey Wade and Sasha Risenhoover are tied for third with four wins apiece. Trainers Bret Calhoun and Karl Broberg each have four wins to hold second in the trainer standings.

Live racing resumes Friday, April 29. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. First race post time is 6:35 p.m. (CDT).

Extreme Racing Saturday

Join us Saturday, April 29, for Extreme Racing. Camels, ostriches, and zebras will hit the track between live Thoroughbred races – ridden by our very own jockeys – and they’ll run their hilarious hearts out for charity because each animal is paired with a worthy local non-profit.  Plus, bring the little ones out to enjoy our Family Fun Park on the lawn with a petting zoo, bounce houses, and a chance to meet the stars of the show – camels, ostriches and zebras. You don’t want to miss these “extreme” races! Gates open 4:00 p.m. First race post time is 5:00 p.m. (CDT).