GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (Saturday, November 18, 2023) – The much anticipated Texas Classic races were contested at Lone Star Park on Saturday night in front of 5,419 racing fans.

$1,176,155 Texas Classic Futurity (G1)

The richest race in Texas, the Grade 1, $1,176,155 Texas Classic Futurity featured a field of nine of the best two-year-olds in the country. The fastest qualifier for the Futurity, Dark NME, ducked in at the break but was able to overcome and kick clear in the 400 yard contest. The wagering favorite crossed the finish line in :19.491, a length ahead of 50 to 1 longshot, Especially Goodcandy.

The winner's share of the purse boosted Dark NME's career earnings to $1,559,452. Champion jockey Francisco Calderon was in the irons for the victory, adding to the record he set this year for AQHA jockey earnings in a single calendar year.

The filly, by Hes Relentless, now has eight wins from nine starts. The only blemish on her record was a third place finish in the All-American Futurity. Dark NME is trained by Santos Carrizales, Jr. and owned by TYKHE Racing LLC.

Dark NME

Winner - 2023 Texas Classic Futurity (G1)

Dustin Orona Photography

$478,755 Texas Classic Derby (G1)

In the Texas Classic Derby, Chasing Aj picked up his first career stakes win. The son of world champion Apollitical Jess prevailed in a duel down the track with the post-time favorite, Jess Good Wine. Rodrigo Vallejo was aboard the grey gelding during the 440 yard trip, stopping the clock in :21.453.

M. Heath Taylor conditioned the winner for owners, Steve Holt, Charles Cox, Jack Powers and Roger Moore.

This win improved Chasing Aj's record to six wins from 15 starts and increased his career earnings to $907,069. Chasing Aj picked up his second win at Lone Star Park in as many starts and has also hit the board in all eight of his starts at the quarter mile distance.

Chasing Aj

Winner - 2023 Texas Classic Derby

Dustin Orona Photography

$61,902 Texas Classic Juvenile Stakes

Flyin Rabbit 123 got his third career win and first stakes victory in the $61,902 Texas Classic Juvenile Stakes. The gelded son of Flying Cowboy 123 had a little ground to make up after breaking away from the gate fourth, but grabbed the lead midway down the lane and finished 3/4 length ahead of The Marksman V.

The sorrel gelding, finished the 400 yards in :19.749 as the even money favorite under Bryan Candanosa. Toby Keeton trained the winner for Louis A. Trey Malechek III.

Flyin Rabbit 123 now has three wins from seven starts, and career earnings of $238,038.

Flyin Rabbit 123

Winner - 2023 Texas Classic Juvenile Stakes

Dustin Orona Photography

On-track handle for the 12 race card was $325,281, the highest for a Quarter Horse card at Lone Star Park since 2006. Total handle for the night was $1,011,137.

Two race nights remain in the 2023 Fall Meeting of Champions, Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25.

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie | 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050

(972) 263-RACE (7223) | LoneStarPark.com