Millionaire Lone Rock Works Toward 2023 Debut

Millionaire and route specialist Lone Rock  continues to progress toward his 2023 debut after working five furlongs in 1:02.40 Feb. 12 at Oaklawn Park for trainer Robertino Diodoro.

Sunday’s work was the fourth in the last 21 days at Oaklawn for Lone Rock, who returned to Diodoro’s barn in early January.

The 8-year-old gelding is unraced since a third-place finish in the Birdstone Stakes last July at Saratoga Race Course. Diodoro said Lone Rock could resurface later in the Oaklawn meeting, possibly in the $150,000 Temperence Hill Stakes for older horses at 1 1/2 miles April 2. Lone Rock finished second in the Temperence Hill in 2021 and won the race last year.

“One work at a time,” Diodoro said.

Lone Rock resumed light training late last year in Florida after a lengthy break following the Birdstone.

“The part I like is he wasn’t turned out because of injuries,” Diodoro said. “He was turned out because we thought he was tired and deserved a break. Hopefully, he comes back good.”

Lone Rock has flourished at marathon distances since Diodoro reclaimed the gelding for $40,000 in November 2020 at Churchill Downs. The son of Majestic Warrior sports a 16-5-3 record from 42 lifetime starts and earnings of $1,412,541 for owners Flying P Stable, R.A. Hill Stable, and Flying P Partners.