Grand Prairie, Texas (Sunday, May 20, 2018) - W. S. Farish's Direct Dial (Too Much Bling), trained by Steve Asmussen, got it done Sunday, winning the 15th edition of the Texas Stallion Stakes, Stymie Division, for three-year-old colts & geldings. The one mile race was the third and final of the Texas Stallion Stakes Series. The first of the series is held at Retama Park in the fall, followed by the second held at Sam Houston Race Park in January, and the third is held at Lone Star. The victory completed the series triple for Direct Dial.

"The inside was kind of bad, so I took advantage of being on the outside," said winning jockey Iram Diego. "He broke so good."

Direct Dial went right to the lead out of the gate then was headed at the quarter mark by rival Silis. He was content to sit just off the leader down the backstretch until nearing the far turn. Direct Dial decided it was time regain his spot in front, where he raced comfortably to the wire. Even money favorite Galactica (Uncle Abbie) raced along mid-pack through most of it, passing the others entering the stretch, but he couldn't catch the leader.

"It's a good thing he relaxed and was rested for the end," Diego added about Direct Dial.

Direct Dial paid $4.60, $2.40 and $2.10. Galactica returned $2.20 and $2.10. Swift Shock, who passed tiring rivals to get third, returned $2.20. Silver Luke Silver and Silis completed the order.

Final time for the one-mile race on a muddy, sealed track was 1:39.37. Early fractions were :23.99 and :47.75.

Direct Dial's career earnings, with the added $39,000 from the win, are $202,820. This was his fourth win from nine career starts.

Noteworthy

Jockey Iram Diego and trainer Steve Asmussen each won a total of 10 races over the three days of live racing this weekend.

Up Next

Please note that live racing resumes next Thursday, May 24. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. First post is 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, May 27, the headline will be the 22nd edition of the $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (Gr. III). A field of five entered today and boasts four Hall of Famers. Bob Baffert is sending Mubtaahij and has named Mike Smith to ride. Jerry Hollendorfer has entered Full of Luck, and Steve Asmussen has entered South Beach. That's a lot of star-power!