Sam Houston Race Park weekend preview
Another exciting weekend of live thoroughbred racing is on tap at Sam Houston Race Park.
Friday opens the action with three races that carry big purses of at least $35,000.
The first of these is the third, a maiden special weight sprint over five furlongs on the turf for three-year-old fillies. Happy in Heels, a daughter of Runhappy, looks like the strongest choice in the race, but there are several others that could make noise. Irish Writ will run with Stewart Elliot and Steve Asmussen combining as the rider and trainer, and Wild Express could also be a contender.
The third race is also a maiden special weight affair, this time for older Texas-accredited fillies and mares covering a mile on the dirt. Flat Out Freda should have a good chance to graduate here, but Julie’s Passion and Moro Nala should also be factors.
The last big purse race of the day is the sixth, an allowance five-furlong sprint on the turf for Texas-accredited three-year-old fillies. Four horses in this field look like they have a good chance to win. Missiszipppy Bling might have the best chance, but Xtra Spicy, Bling on the Light, and Rubiana will also contend.
Only two races on Saturday carry purses in the $35,000 range; both are five furlong sprints on the turf.
The fourth race, a maiden special weight for three-year-olds, looks like a two-horse race on paper. Kisses Per Diem once again pairs Elliot and Asmussen, while Rodeo Champ finished second in his last race off a layoff. Outside the top two, Properly Connected looks like the best chance.
The sixth race is an allowance for Texas-accredited three-year-olds. In this tight field, at least six horses look like they could end up the winner, but Bling Mountain might have a slight edge. If the race goes off the turf, Grami’s Boy should draw in and would be a strong contender.
Two more races on Sunday fit the big purse mold.
The fifth is a maiden special weight written for Texas-accredited horses three, four, or five years old. The race will cover one mile on the dirt. Morolicious might have the best chance here, this horse has improved over his last three starts, and this could be the spot for a first win.
In the eighth race, three-year-olds will battle over six and a half furlongs on the dirt. Tres Soles might be the best-bred horse in this race, he is a son of Triple Crown winner Justify and is out of a Tapit mare. Alto Road should be a strong contender, he won his last start and has the best speed figure.
Sam Houston Horses to Watch
Friday – Race 7 – Miss M J – This daughter of Early Flyer won her last start after cutting back in distance; this could be a good spot to continue her winning ways.
Saturday – Race 4 – Gwyneth’s Malibu – This is a well-bred horse that is a first-time starter in a field of horses that have had chances to win but come up short.
Sunday – Race 2 – Brilliant Colors – A son of Connect with the Elliot / Asmussen combo? You bet!
