Drank Like Hank, ridden by L. Martinez, clocks fastest qualifying time to the $80,000 estimated Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Futurity [G1] on Friday at Lone Star Park.

© Dustin Orona Photography/Lone Star Park

GRANDE PRAIRIE, TX–NOVEMBER 3, 2023–28 two-year-old paints and appaloosas vied for a spot to the $80,000 estimated Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Futurity [G1] on Friday evening at Lone Star Park. The top three fastest times came out of trial two of three, Drank Like Hank, Mighty Mocha and R Cowgirl, respectively.

Even though he was bumped from both sides out of the gates, that didn't stop Drank Like Hank (APHA) from crossing the wire first in the 400-yard trial. Jockey L. Martinez guided the son of leading APHA sire CRM Livewire to his 3/4-length victory, setting the time to beat in :19.913 seconds with a 90 speed index. The 4/1 odd victory paid $10.60 to win.

Trained by Matt Whitekiller, Drank Like Hank has three career wins from his freshman campaign, including the Pot O Gold Futurity [G1] at Will Rogers Downs last month. The bay gelding has earned $50,274 for owner/breeder De Rae Racing. He was bred in Oklahoma out of Irish Vendetta by First Smart Money.

Mighty Mocha (APHA) vied for the lead but finished late behind Drank Like Hank for the second fastest qualifying time to the finals. The the son of #2 leading APHA sire Painted Turnpike clocked an 87 speed index in :20.017 seconds crossing the wire a length ahead of post-time favorite and third fastest qualifier R Cowgirl.

Ridden by Jesus Salazar, Mighty Mocha has lit the board seven of nine starts with three wins and $61,020 in the bank, including a victory in the Oklahoma P&A Juvenile Stakes in March and a second place finish to Drank Like Hank in the Pot O Gold Futurity [G1] last month.

Bred in Oklahoma by Taylor Dixon, Mighty Mocha is out of Mighty Chicka by Mighty Invictus. Dee trainer saddled the brown gelding for owner Jay Ross.

CLICK HERE for complete details on the $80,000 estimated Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Futurity [G1] Trials, including horse, sex, sire, dam, dam sire, owner, breeder, trainer and jockey. Finals are to be ran on November 24, 2023.