Grand Prairie, Texas (Sunday, May 27, 2018) - Owned and trained by C. R. Trout of Hammon, Oklahoma, Shotgun Kowboy (by Kodiak Kowboy) held off top opponents Mubtaahij and Fear the Cowboy for the prize in the 22nd running of the $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (Gr. III) on Sunday.

With the scratch of Full of Luck, who stayed in California to run in yesterday's Santa Anita Gold Cup, it was just a field of four when the gates opened today. Though small in field size, the competition was stellar. Shotgun Kowboy was on his game today. The six-year-old dark brown gelding was out like a shot for the gate-to-wire victory in the mile and a sixteenth race. Early fractions were :24.29 and :47.63. Final time was 1:44.84 on a fast track.

"I got him to break good, maintain, and keep him comfortable with what he wants to do," said winning jockey Luis Quinonez. "I think I got a good path and was able to move right where I wanted to and control the race. I couldn't thank C. R. enough, he does a great job."  

"This colt is easy to train, and we just let him do his thing today and get where he wanted to be," said winning owner/trainer C. R. Troutt.  "I'm thankful to have Luis riding him. I couldn't have asked for a better job, and I'd like to thank my assistant Daniel Ortiz, who has done a wonderful job galloping in the morning. I appreciate Lone Star and the effort they did to put this on. We had a good field today, and it feels good to win one of those."

Favorite Mubtaahij was asked leaving the gate, settling just off the pace. When asked in the stretch, he wasn't able to catch the leader but was clear for second place. Fear the Cowboy raced near the rear, moved closer halfway down the backstretch, was six-wide into the stretch under the whip but weakened, but was able to hold for third. South Beach stalked the leader on the outside, drawing even with three furlongs remaining, but tired. Full of Luck was a scratch.

Mutuels for the winner paid $11.20, $3.00 and $2.00. Place paid $2.10 and $0.50. Show returned $2.00. There was no trifecta or Superfecta wagering on the race.

Shotgun Kowboy increased his career earnings to $1,246,326. This was his 12th win from 29 career starts.

Around the track

Jockey Richard Eramia continues to dominate the standings, with 46 wins through Sunday. Iram Diego is second with 32 wins, and Lindey Wade moved into third place with 17 wins.

Trainer Karl Broberg is holding a 10-win lead over Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen at 42-32 wins, respectively. Bret Calhoun is in third place with 10 wins.

Live racing resumes next Friday, June 1. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. First race post time is 6:35 p.m.