Windy Hill Farm’s Nate Mineshaft got back on the winning track with an easy front-end victory in the $300,000 Lone Star Handicap (gr. III) at Lone Star Park May 28 (VIDEO).
Nate’s Mineshaft, a close second choice in the wagering behind Marilyn's Guy, was sent to the lead by Jesse Campbell from post 6 in an eight-horse field and nursed a one-length lead for six furlongs before pulling away on the far turn. The 4-year-old Kentucky-bred ridgling by Mineshaft won eased up by 7 1/4 lengths in 1:42.91 for 1 1/16 miles on a fast track.
Get in Da House rallied from last to finish second, a half length ahead of Night Party, who tracked Nate’s Mineshaft throughout. Fractions for the race were :25.11 for the opening quarter-mile, :49.20 for the half-mile, 1:11.97 for six furlongs, and 1:36.91 for the mile.
The winner paid $5.40 to win. Marilyn’s Guy failed to sustain his rally and finished fourth.
Nate’s Mineshaft, trained by Austin Smith, easily won the Mineshaft Handicap (gr. III) and New Orleans Handicap (gr. II) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots earlier this year. He then finished a far-back sixth in the Alysheba Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs before the Lone Star Handicap.
Nate’s Mineshaft now has seven victories in 15 starts for earnings of $592,806.
