POLITICALLY CORUPT DOMINATES IN THE $50,000 SAM HOUSTON CLASSIC (G2) AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK
Chula Kid Captures the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge
A very solid field of stakes winners entered the starting gate in tonight’s $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2). With an exceptional break and sizzling turn of foot, Politically Corrupt made his 2017 debut
The 4-year-old son of Apollitical Jess did his best running in his 3-year-old campaign, winning the Retama Park Derby and placing in both the Dash for Cash Derby at Lone Star and the EVD Derby at Evangeline Downs.
This evening, breaking from the rail under jockey Ciprano Vidana, he quickly took the lead and held off the fast-closing Dutcher by a neck. His final time of :21.234 was just shy of the record-setting time of :21.214 set by AQHA world champion Jessies First Down last month in the $103,320 Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship (G2).
“With these kind of horses, they’ll do everything on their own,” said trainer Jose Sanchez. “He’s run big from the rail before, so we knew that would not be a problem.”
The father and son team of Herminio Gonzalez, Jr. and Sr. of Double H Racing Investment LLC were on hand to see their Texas-bred top a stakes-caliber field.
“We are grateful to Jose and his team for taking such good care of our horse,” said Herminio, Jr. “We will look for other stakes races in the future, but like our horses to rest between starts.”
Sam Houston Race Park leading trainer Judd Kearl saddled runner-up Dutcher and third-place finisher, RC Me Leaving You. Dutcher, also by Apolliitical Jess, was ridden by Rodrigo Vallejo for owners Jumonville Farms and Brian Ranch.
TLC Dale, a son of 2011 Sam Houston Classic champion, The Louisiana Cartel, completed the superfecta under Raul Ramirez, Jr.
Politically Corrupt, sent off as the third betting choice, paid $9.00 for the win. He added his name to a list of very notable Sam Houston Classic champions. Past winners include Kool Kue Baby, Streakin Sin Tacha, The Louisiana Cartel and two AQHA world champions: Tailor Fit and Jessies First Down.
Chula Kid Tops Eight Rivals in the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge
Trials were run on April 22 for the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park. Chula Kid a neck behind fastest qualifier Borger Boy and earned the second-fastest clocking, but turned the tables this evening, and won the first stakes of her career.
The 4-year-old daughter of The Louisiana Cartel out of the Strawfly Special mare Shoulda Bet Her is owned by Greta and Pete Guerra. Rider Luis Ruiz piloted the Texas-bred mare from post position five, breaking strongly and holding off a late charge from Borger Boy. She prevailed by a neck, covering 350-yards in :17.721 over a fast track.
“We love The Louisiana Cartel and bred four or five mares to him,” said Pete Guerra. “This mare spent all last year in the pasture as she had some problems and we just wanted her to rest. We decided to bring her back and Jorge Muniz began working with her. He did a good job.”
The Guerra’s reside in San Diego, Texas and have been involved in racing and breeding for four years.
“What we are really enjoying is breeding our own horses,” he added. “It really feels good to see one of your own horses win.”
Almada Racing’s Borger Boy was ridden by Luciano Duenez. The son of Bigtime Favorite is trained by Josue Ponce.
Sent off at 7-1, Chula Kid paid $16.00 for the win. Zoomorphous closed for third under jockey Juan Vazquez, followed by Boogie Tothe Top, Jc Stormy Monday, Tellem Honeys Here, License to Cartel, Barreras Bravo and Por Amor. One Lonesome Dude was an early scratch.
This was the sixth start for Chula Kid, who added $19,208 to her bankroll and improved her career record to two wins and three runner-up finishes. She will make her next start at Retama Park, according to her owners.
Sam Houston Race Park, Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, is located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 16 luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.
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Photo: Corupt- $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2)
Photo Credit: Coady Credit
