Axel Steel, under jockey Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez, won the $52,825 Battle of the Breeders 870 Claiming Stakes.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–NOVEMBER 8, 2024–Axel Steel, a 5-year-old Thoroughbred son of Mohaymen, picked up his second consecutive win at Lone Star Park Friday night when he defeated the Quarter Horse Run Bubba Run in the $52,825 Battle of the Breeders 870 Claiming Stakes.

Ridden by jockey Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez, Axel Steel dominated the race while recording a 45.077 clocking over a muddy (sealed) surface for owner-trainer Mark Hibdon. The five-length winning margin was worth a $21,130 payday.

Bred in Texas by Brad King, from the Five Star Day mare Air Guitar, Axel Steel has won two of four starts in Quarter Horse company and earned $29,884.  In Thoroughbred company, the gray or roan gelding has won six of 18 starts and banked $120,604.

The winning connections of Axel Steel accept the Battle Of The Breeds Claiming Stakes trophy at Lone Star Park Saturday. © Dustin Orona Photography

Quarter Horse Run Bubba Run earned $10,565 for his second-place effort under jockey Raul Hernandez, Jr. The 3-year-old son of This Is An Eagle races for owner Leonel Diaz Ortiz and is conditioned by Juan Hernandez. Kristopher Campos bred Run Bubba Run in Texas from the Stryker (TB) mare Mae B. Jones (TB). He has earned $25,952.

Play Rule (TB) finished half-a-length back to earn $6,603 for third. Trainer Steve Roubion tapped Luis Vivanco to ride the 6-year-old Intimidator gelding for owner Hamlin Ventures. Kieth Asmussen bred the gelding in Texas from the Sir Cat mare Cats Rule.

Jtc Switching Leads, El Bee Dee, Blingo, My Little Prince, and Maro Flashback completed the field. Midnight Hunter was scratched.

About Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is 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 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 seven days a week year.

The 2024 Fall Meeting of Champions, featuring American Quarter Horses, runs September 6 through November 16. Live racing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. (CT); the first post is at 6:05 p.m. Breeders' Cup Saturday, November 5. Gates open at 10:30 a.m., the first live race is at 6:05 p.m.