FASTEST QUALIFIER CL PAINTED SHADOWS WINS THE $60,030 COLORS OF HOUSTON FUTURITY (G2) AT SAM HOUSTON PARK
Southern Electric Dominates in the $34,500 Colors of Houston Paint Maturity (G2)
HOUSTON, TX – Two Paint Stakes were run on Saturday June 5 at Sam Houston Race Park with a game victory by Cl Painted Shadows in the $60,030 Colors of Houston Paint Juvenile (G2) and Southern Electric was much the best in the $34,500 Colors of Houston Paint Maturity (G2).
Cl Painted Shadows, a filly by Painted Turnpike, owned by Guerra Racing Stables, had made four previous starts at Remington Park for trainer Jose U. Lopez. She set the fastest qualifying time in trials here under Noe Villatoro, who had the return call this afternoon. She broke well from her inside post and drew off to a neck victory over Party in the Wagon. Sent off as the favorite, the sorrel filly covered 300 yards in :15.624 (94 speed index) over a fast track, returning $5.60 for the win.
“Thanks to the owner and my team,” said Lopez. “She’s a smart filly and gives you everything she has. We just keep he sound and happy. It was a little pressure being the fastest qualifier, but this filly handled it.”
This was the third win from six starts for Cl Painted Shadows, who earned $22,888 for the win.
“She ran in Oklahoma first,” said owner Richard Guerra. “Then we sent her to Pepe. She’s been progressing a bunch.”
Party in the Wagon, the fourth-fastest qualifier, ran second under Francisco Mendez, followed by Little Wagon, Drive, Cowboy Camo, Dos Pennies, Hot Flash H, Grant Dacious, Junipers Hot Wire and Jb Kiss.
Dan and Kaye Jones homebred Southern Electric faced seven rivals in the $34,500 Colors of Houston Paint Maturity (G2) and the 4-year old gelding by Crm Livewire, closed under rider Cody Rodger Smith to capture his 13th career victory. The duo crossed the wire of the 350 yard stakes in :17.665, earning a 97 speed index.
“I broke him in Oklahoma and rode him a few times as a 2-year-old,” said Smith. “I knew what to expect from him; he ran a good race, but we had to work for it. He needed the race today.”
Southern Electric ($3.00) added $15,352 to increase his lifetime earnings to $268,101. Wb Steve Nix ran second and Vp Cold Strong Heart, Just Wishn, Seperate Wagons, Da Boss, Tempting Encounter and Texas Magazeche completed the order of finish.
“This horse really ran big last year and we decided to bring him to Texas,” added Whitekiller. “He came back in his 3-year-old campaign and was pretty dominant.”
Whitekiller and Smith were the duo behind Smithworks winning the $294,075 Speedhorse Graham Paint & Appaloosa Futurity (G1) last month at Remington Park.
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
