HOCK IT TO YOU POSTS TOP QUALIFYING TIME IN TRIALS FOR THE $435,910 TQHA SALE FUTURITY (RG2)
Tough Decision Looming for Jockey Victor Urieta, Jr. who Qualified the Top Two Juveniles
HOUSTON, TX -Nine trials for the $435,910 TQHA Sale Futurity took place at Sam Houston Race Park on Friday, July 9 with many exceptional performances, but none greater than Hock It To You, who set the fastest time in the final trial of the night.
Owned by Reynold Munoz and Heavy Hitters Racing Stables, Hock It To You has been dominant since breaking his maiden at Remington Park in trials for the $477,000 Oklahoma Futurity. He ran second in that final before heading to Sam Houston Race Park and winning his trial for the $732,000 Sam Houston Futurity and finishing second in the May 21 final.
Tonight with Victor Urieta, Jr. aboard, the son of Kiss My Hocks out of the One Famous Eagle mare Lil Famous Dash, took command from the minute the gates opened and powered to the wire of his 350 yard trial in :17.441 seconds, equaling a 105 speed index.
Bred by Tyler Graham and Conda Maze, the talented gelding is trained by Juan Diaz, Jr. and has already earned $293,362 in five starts. Diaz also qualified Ivory Royale, a son of Ivory James who set the tenth-fastest qualifying time of :17.924 seconds for owner Oscar Rios, Jr.
“Hock It To You is an excellent all around racehorse,” said Diaz. “The exciting part about him is that he runs better in each race! We were a little nervous about the rail draw with all the rain in Houston over the last few days, but he handled it with no issues.”
Diaz was also proud of the victory by Ivory Royale,
“He is a much smaller horse, but has come a long way,” added Diaz. “We look forward to running him in the final as well.”
Almada Racing’s Cali Chrome, whose winning time of :17.662 seconds held from the third trial until Hock It To You took control in the final trial, will return to the final with the second fastest clocking.
The gelded son of Moonin the Eagle out of the Walk Thru Fire mare The California Girl was making her third career start at Sam Houston Race Park. He won his trial for the Sam Houston Futurity on May 8, qualifying for the $73,000 Sam Houston Juvenile, finishing second. Breaking from the rail in his trial this evening under his regular pilot Victor Urieta, Jr., he took the lead and drew off by a margin on one length over Hockabilly. The sorrel gelding earned a 97 speed index in his 350-yard victory over a good racetrack.
Bred in Texas by Omar Paredes, Cali Chrome is trained by Alonso Neri, who praised his charge.
“The horse is a natural born runner,” said Neri. “The humidity and rain this week made it very challenging. He gave it all and we are very pleased with him.”
Click HERE for a list of each of the qualifiers who will return to Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday, July 31. The winner will join an exceptional group of past TQHA Sale Futurity champions including Oak Tree Special, Azoom, Snowy Alibi, Triple Vodka and Cartels Pop Pop.
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
