Assault Stakes
$75.00 For Three Year Olds And Upward
1 Mile – Turf
Lone Star Park – July 11, 2026

None of the top three finishers in this race deserved anything but the winning flowers and their picture taken in the winner’s circle. When the Texas turf settled it was Rumble Red who nosed his way to the wire after an epic battle where the top three were never separated by more than a couple of noses once they hooked up after the first three furlongs. The last five furlongs was a knock down drag out war with no one wanting to yield or give in. In fairness, no one did. No one faltered. Three warriors threw down to the wire and although Censored Hate closed late to join the photo it was only appropriate that the top three finished that way as just rewards for the show they put on. 

Winner: Rumble Red (Luz International/E. Asmussen) Rancor/Beige Bikini (Thats Entertainment) After the break it appeared that Rumble Red was going to tuck in and stalk but halfway around the first turn jockey Asmussen decided to hit the go button and he ranged up on the outside of the early leaders. With five furlongs to go Tudor Vate took back a little and Allegedly, Ikea Sweep and Rumble Red on their outside began a five furlong battle where they were never really separated by a few inches. At the top of the stretch, Allegedly had a nose lead. Rumble Red and Ikea Sweep began alternating who held second with every stride and it looked like Allegedly would grit it out to the end but Rumble Red persevered to stick his nose in front in the final strides. Three wide the entire battle but somehow found a way. 

Second: Allegedly (Night Rider Stables/R.E. Eramia) War Command/Poise (Niagra) He had the rail and was able to save the most ground and he gave it his all throughout. He almost came out the winner but was just nosed out for the win. Seven year old continues to show good form and probably still thinks he won. It was that close. 

Third: Ikea Sweep (Blue Ridge Racing/A.J. Juarez Jr.) Sweep Nice One/Ikea (Commanding The Storm) Missed by only a head and third seems like a harsh result but sometimes there is honor in defeat and that is certainly the case for the effort put forth by Ikea Sweep in the Assault. Followed up his Hanks Memorial Stakes victory with another stellar effort. Four year old has more to look forward to.

Fourth: Censored Hate (Oneonta Racing/R.A. Vasquez) Censored/The Hateful Eight (Breath Of The Wild) One of two three year olds in the field he sat way back early while the top three battled it out on the front end. He almost took advantage of that and came flying in the stretch to miss by just a half length. A little bit more distance and he likely would have been the clear winner.

Preview Pick: The Stars At Night – finished a dull sixth and never was really in the race. 

This was the third straight year that the winner of the Assault Stakes has come from the Luz International barn and that barn continues to be the leading breeder in the state. (Note: Second place finisher was also bred by Luz International). It was the first Assault Stakes win for jockey E. Asmussen and it marks the second stakes win for Rumble Red. The win pushes career earnings for Rumble Red over the $300.00 mark. Worth recognizing is that the dam of Rumble Red, Beige Bikini, has now produced an impressive five stakes winners.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded