$30,597 Bank Of America Texas Maiden Challenge
MOE LASSUS EARNS FIRST STAKES SCORE IN
THE $30,597 BANK OF AMERICA TEXAS MAIDEN
CHALLENGE AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK
Fastest qualifier Moe Lassus returned to Sam Houston Race Park with a confident performance in the final of the $30,597 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge.
The 3-year-old son of Favorite Cartel, owned by J. J. Racing and trained by Judd Kearl won his 350-yard trial on April 29 in :17.904 seconds. With jockey Noe Villatoro back aboard this evening, the bay gelding showed that his maiden-breaking score in the trials was no fluke. He overcame a troubled break, but found his stride and closed strongly for the victory. He bested his trial time, crossing the wire in :17.702 over the fast track.
"It was a pretty tough start of the race," said Kearl. "But in the last 50 yards, he was flying. He's a very good horse."
Foaled on May 2, Kearl did not rush the bay gelding into early competition. He did not even make a start until December 28, 2015 at Hialeah Park. He improved in each of his four starts at the south Florida racetrack and showed he was in form in his trial win. Moe Lassus, installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite, ran third in the $25,000 South Florida Invitational on February 27.
Moe Lassus left the gate at odds of 6-5 and paid $4.40 for the win. Long Gone Cool with jockey Luis Vivanco aboard, ran second. Corona Kidd Kat rallied for third and Grand Illusion completed the superfecta.
This was the second win from six starts for Moe Lassus, who earned $14,075 this evening. Kearl, who is the leading trainer for the 2016 Sam Houston Quarter Horse meet, will send Moe Lassus to Delta Downs where he will run in trials for the Firecracker Derby.
Two More Days Remain in the 2016 Sam Houston Quarter Horse Meet
Live racing continues Saturday evening at 6:00 pm with two stakes on the card. The ten fastest qualifiers return to action in the $69,390 John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge (G3) and the $44,460 Adequan Texas Derby Challenge.
The final day of the racing season is Monday, May 16 with 12 races beginning at 1:00 pm. Fans are invited to enjoy free admission and the presentation of the end of the meet awards for leading owner, trainer and jockey.
Roger Creager Wraps up the Q Morning Zoo Concert Series at Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday, May 14
The entertaining 2016 Post Race Concert Series on the Bud Light stage concludes on May 14 with Roger Creager. The concert is FREE with $7 live racing admission before 8pm, and $20 after 8pm at the gate. Save $6 (Just $14) on after 8pm admission by purchasing tickets online in advance at shrp.com.
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level presented by Draft Kings, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.
