APOLLITICAL CRYSTAL POSTS FASTEST QUALIFYING TIME FROM THE MAY 7 TRIALS FOR THE $732,650 SAM HOUSTON FUTURITY (G2)
Second Night of Qualifying Begins at 6:10 pm (CT) on Saturday, May 8
HOUSTON, TX – A very impressive group of juveniles competed in 11 trials on Friday, May 7 for a berth into the final of the $732,650 Sam Houston Futurity (G2).
The third trial of the card produced the fastest qualifier when Apollitical Crystal delivered a tremendous maiden-breaking score under rider Nestor Duran, covering 330 yards in :16.918 seconds. The track was fast and she earned a 95 speed index into an 11 mph head wind.
Bred in California by EG High Desert Farms LLC, the son Apollitical Jess out of the Walk Thru Fire mare Walk Thru Crystal is owned by Ruse Ranch LLC and trained Adrian Huitron.
"She performed very well in her schooling race at Retama Park, so we felt she would run a big race tonight,” said Huitron. “She has an awesome pedigree. I thank God and her owners Ruse Ranch for this opportunity."
The heavily favored Hock It to You delivered the second-fastest clocking of the evening in the final trial of the evening. The son of Kiss My Hocks was bred in Texas by Tyler Graham and Conda Maze, who won the 2014 edition of the race with Kiss My Hocks, Hock It To You is owned by Reynold Munoz and Heavy Hitters Racing Stables. He crossed the wire in :16.982 with Victor Urieta, Jr. in the irons, earning a 93 speed index.
“He just has it in him; he's just one of those special ones," said trainer Juan Diaz, Jr.
Here is a link to the five fastest qualifiers from night one of the trials. Eleven additional trials will be contested on Saturday, May 8 to complete the field of ten for the final of the Sam Houston Futurity on Friday, May 28.
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.
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Photos: Coady Photography
