Ray Donovan, under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr., setting the fastest qualifying time for the $50,000-est. StallioneSearch.com Claimers Cup Middle Ground Stakes (not black type) at Lone Star Park.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX—NOVEMBER 12, 2022—Jockey Victor Urieta, Jr. quickly picked up Rey Donovan after stumbling at the start and guided the 3-year-old son of Valiant Hero to an overpowering performance Saturday night at Lone Star Park while establishing the fastest qualifying time for the StallioneSearch Claimers Cup Middle Ground Stakes (not black type).

The 12 qualifiers will return on Saturday, December 17th to vie for the winner's share of a $50,000-est. purse going 300 yards. Conditions to nominate to the Claimers Cup Dash is 3-year-old up horses which have started for a claiming price of $12,500 or less in 2022.

Racing for owner Carlos Ponce, Rey Donovan raced down the inside rail to win by one-length while completing the 300 yards in :15.351 seconds, equaling a 97 speed index. Trainer Juan Diaz, Jr. saddled the Texas-bred gelding to his second career win in 11 starts. 

Im Giorgina (#3) and Miss Kit Kat (#2) battle in the second trial Saturday for the StallioneSearch.com Claimers Cup Middle Ground at Lone Star Park.
© Dustin Orona Photography

Stan Sigman and Nala Graham bred Rey Donovan from the Feature Mr Jess mare Da Licious. The $5,100 winner's share of the $8,500 trial purse boosted his lifetime mark to $31,286.

Im Giorgina, under jockey Gaspar Garcia, was a neck winner over Miss Kitt Kat in the second trial to post the third fastest time of :15.520 seconds, a 91 speed index.

Trainer Esteban Rubio conditions the 5-year-old Giorgino mare for owner-breeder Sarah Huskey.  The 3-time winner, out of Im Not Hillary by Executive Menace, has won three of 23 career starts and earned $42,343.

For the complete list of StallioneSearch.com Claimers Cup Middle Ground Stakes (not black type) qualifiers, including times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

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About Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie; A major league sports entertainment attraction that features two exciting racing seasons annually. Over 700,000 guests visit our beautiful facility each year, which features a seven-level glass-enclosed Grandstand, highlighted by our 1,200-seat Silks Dining Room and our 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites, all overlooking the newest race track in Texas. Situated next to our Grandstand is the 36,000 square foot world-class Las Vegas-style Racebook and simulcast facility, Bar & Book, which features wagering on horse racing from around the world 7-days a week year-round.

Lone Star Park is located on Beltline Road, just ½ mile north of I-30 in Grand Prairie, Texas. Visit LoneStarPark.com for more information.