Sam Houston wraps up another weekend, prepares for Houston Racing Festival

Sam Houston Race Park wrapped up another weekend of race action. Jockey Sahin Civaci started off hot with three victories on Friday, while Lane Luzzi and Leandro Goncalves both had two wins on Saturday. Stewart Elliot also had a strong showing throughout the weekend’s racing.

Next Saturday, Sam Houston will host the Houston Racing Festival, featuring a race card with five stakes races, including the Houston Ladies Classic (G3) and the John Connally Turf Cup (G3). Pauline’s Pearl, last year’s winner, looks to be one of the morning line favorites for the Ladies Classic, while Spooky Channel looks strong for the Connally.

These graded stakes races are sure to draw some of the biggest names in American racing and should make for an exciting day at the track.

Checking in on our Sam Houston Horses to Watch:

Friday – Race 2 – Brazil Nut – Ran third, had a wide trip, and was unable to catch the leaders.

Saturday – Race 6 – Barefoot Samurai – Also ran third, got the benefit of an inside trip, but couldn’t do enough to win.

Sunday – Race 2 – Sunlit Song – Continued his string of strong performances, winning after setting the early pace and holding off all challengers.

On the Kentucky Derby trail, Instant Coffee won the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds in New Orleans and picked up 20 points toward his Derby qualifying total of 32, moving him into second place behind current leader Forte who has amassed 40 points. Instant Coffee is trained by Brad Cox and was ridden by Luis Saez.

This week the Derby points chase will move to Oaklawn Park for the Southwest Stakes (G3). This race was won by Derby champions Lil E. Tee and Pine Bluff, and there should be a good field present to vie for the 40 points up for grabs.