DE LAURENTIS SETS FASTEST QUALIFYING TIME FOR THE JOHN DEERE JUVENILE CHALLENGE AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK
Top Ten Qualifiers Return on Thursday, July 10
HOUSTON, TX - Sam Houston Race Park hosted four trials for the $98,923 John Deere Juvenile Challenge (G2) on the Thursday May 20th card.
The first trial produced the fastest clocking of the afternoon when De Laurentis drew off to 1 ½ length score, crossing the wire of the 350 yard trial in :17.881 seconds over a fast track. He earned a speed index of 91 under rider Victor M. Urieta Jr. Current leading Sam Houston Race Park trainer Juan Diaz, Jr. saddled the son of American Runaway out of the Invisible Injun mare Babe on the Beach. Bred by Bobby D. Cox, the grey colt was a $30,000 TQHA Yearling Sale purchase by owners Reynold Munoz and Heavy Hitters Racing Stables.
De Laurentis made one previous start on March 8 at Remington Park, winning his 300-yard trial for the Oklahoma Futurity (G2).
“He showed to be smart in his training; caught on pretty quick,” said Diaz. “We have high hopes for him in the final.”
Diaz also qualified Kas Shes Ec for owner/breeder Francisco Javier Garza. The daughter of Ec Jet One broke her maiden in the second trial in a final time of :18.065 seconds, also under Urieta.
Here is a link to the top ten qualifiers who will return for the final on Thursday, June 10. The winner will earn an invitation to represent Texas in the $125,000 John Deere Racing Challenge Juvenile Championship (G2) on October 24 at The Downs of Albuquerque in New Mexico.
Cl Painted Shadows Top Qualifier in $40,000-added Colors of Houston Paint Juvenile (G2) Trials
Earlier in the card, two 300-yard trials were contested for the $40,000-added Colors of Houston Paint Juvenile. Cl Painted Shadows won the second trial in :15.698 seconds, equaling a 92 speed index. The filly by Painted Turnpike, owned by Guerra Racing Stables, had made four previous starts at Remington Park for trainer Jose U. Lopez. Noe Villatoro rode the sorrel filly to victory in gate-to-wire fashion.
She and the nine additional qualifiers will return for the final on Saturday, June 5. No trials were needed for the $30,000-added Colors of Houston Paint Maturity, which will also be run on June 5.
Upcoming Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park
Friday, May 28, 2021
$150,000-added Sam Houston Futurity (G2) 2 YO 330 yards
$35,000-estimated Sam Houston Juvenile Stakes 2 YO 330 yards
$100,000-added Sam Houston Classic (G2) 3 YO & Up 440 yards
$50,000-added John Buchanan Memorial Stakes 3 YO Fillies 350 yards
$50,000-added Tomball Stakes 3 YO 350 yards
Saturday, June 5, 2021
$40,000-added Colors of Hou Paint Juvenile (G2) 2 YO 300 yards
$30,000-added Colors of Hou Paint Maturity(G2) 3 YO & Up 350 yards
Thursday, June 10, 2021
$50,000-added John Deere Juvenile 2 YO 350 yards
$50,000-added Adequan Derby 3 YO 400 yards
Saturday, June 12, 2021
$100,000 Sam Houston Texas-bred Championship 3 YO & Up 400 yards
$75,000 Jesse Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes 3 YO & Up 870 yards
$75,000 Miss Sam Houston Stakes F & M 3 YO & Up 330 yards
$75,000 Sam Houston 250 Stakes 3 YO & Up 250 yards
$75,000 Sam Houston 550 Stakes 3 YO & Up 550 yards
$50,000 Sam Houston Starter Stakes 3 YO & Up 350 yards
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.
Photos: Coady Photography
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