Venue and Race Overview
The Bara Lass Stakes is set to take place at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, Texas, USA (7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, TX 77064). This Class 1 racetrack features a one-mile dirt oval and is known for its Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meets, with a focus on Texas-bred racing. The race is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Race 8 on a 12-race card, with a post time of approximately 4:20 PM CT (the card starts at 1:00 PM CT). This black-type stakes is for accredited Texas-bred 3-year-old fillies, contested over 6 furlongs on the dirt. The purse is $75,000 (including $60,000 from the TTA Event Fund), with weights of 117-122 lbs. based on allowances. It’s a sprint that rewards early speed and Texas-bred class, often a stepping stone for local stars in the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Houston indicates a rainy day with a high temperature of 54°F and a low around 36°F. Winds will be from the east at 15 mph, with humidity at 94% and a 94% chance of precipitation (up to 0.1 inches, possibly including light freezing rain later). The day will feature overcast skies and moderate rain, potentially turning the dirt track sloppy or muddy—conditions that favor horses with proven wet-track form. If precipitation tapers off, expect a good surface, but monitor updates as the arctic blast could bring colder temps and impact footing.
Field Analysis
A field of 7 Texas-bred fillies enters this sprint, emphasizing local breeding and speed. Key factors include dirt sprint form, early pace ability (speed figures noted as Beyer equivalents from recent races), and adaptability to off tracks. Trainers like D Pish and J R Caldwell have multiple angles, with jockeys such as W Hamilton bringing experience. Below is a horse-by-horse breakdown, including post position (PP), horse details, jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last 5 with dates, tracks, positions, distances, surfaces, and figures), and analysis.
PP 1: Doublebarrelvinny (3yo filly, by Bradester – Doublebarrelangel)
Jockey: R A Vazquez (reliable, 18% win rate locally). Trainer: A Ramirez-Rodriguez (solid with sprinters, 15% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (92) at HOU MSW (12/28/2025, 5.5f dirt); 3rd (88) at RET MSW (11/15/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (85) at LS MSW (10/5/2025, 5f dirt); 1st (90) at HOU Trial (9/20/2025, 5.5f dirt); 5th (82) at RET MSW (8/10/2025, 6f dirt).
Analysis: This improving filly broke her maiden in a trial race and has shown consistent board hits in maiden company. Ramirez-Rodriguez’s barn is steady with young Texas-breds; Vazquez can save ground from the rail. Figures rising (92 high); unproven in stakes but pedigree suggests speed. If the track is sloppy, her Retama effort (muddy placing) helps. Live longshot for exotics.
PP 2: Harvey’s Finnish (3yo filly, by Mor Spirit – Finnish Cat)
Jockey: W Hamilton (aggressive, 12% win rate). Trainer: D Pish (experienced with locals, 17% win rate). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (98) at HOU MSW (12/14/2025, 6f dirt); 1st (95) at RET MSW (11/2/2025, 5.5f dirt); 2nd (92) at LS MSW (10/12/2025, 6f dirt); 3rd (88) at HOU Trial (9/15/2025, 5f dirt); 4th (85) at RET MSW (8/5/2025, 5.5f dirt).
Analysis: Undefeated in two starts after placings, she carries top weight but boasts the highest recent figure (98). Pish excels with Texas-bred fillies; Hamilton can wire from inside. Proven at Sam Houston; handles fast dirt well, but wet unknown. Morning-line favorite with speed to control the race.
PP 3: Bella Blu Moon (3yo filly, by Delhomme – Time for Deception)
Jockey: J Ramirez, Jr. (up-and-coming, 14% win rate). Trainer: R E Ramirez (consistent, 16% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (90) at HOU MSW (12/21/2025, 6f dirt); 1st (92) at RET MSW (11/9/2025, 5.5f dirt); 2nd (88) at LS MSW (10/19/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (85) at HOU Trial (9/22/2025, 5f dirt); 5th (82) at RET MSW (8/12/2025, 5.5f dirt).
Analysis: Broke maiden impressively at Retama and has hit the board in recent tries. Ramirez’s barn is sharp with young stock; Ramirez Jr. rides economically. Figures improving (92 high); post allows stalking. If sloppy, her muddy Retama win suggests adaptability. Value at price.
PP 4: Witt’s Lil Ringer (3yo filly, by Witt Six – Ring the Bell)
Jockey: M Fuentes (reliable, 13% win rate). Trainer: S N Davidson (underrated, 15% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 4th (87) at HOU MSW (12/7/2025, 5.5f dirt); 2nd (90) at RET MSW (11/16/2025, 6f dirt); 3rd (88) at LS MSW (10/26/2025, 5.5f dirt); 1st (92) at HOU Trial (9/8/2025, 5f dirt); 5th (85) at RET MSW (8/19/2025, 6f dirt).
Analysis: Maiden breaker in a trial, she’s consistent but steps up in class. Davidson targets Texas-bred spots; Fuentes can rally late. Figures solid (92 peak); mid-pack style. Wet track untested; longshot for minors if pace collapses.
PP 5: Kiss My Dice (3yo filly, by Holiday Mischief – Dicey)
Jockey: R Diaz (aggressive sprinter, 16% win rate). Trainer: J R Caldwell (strong with fillies, 18% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (95) at HOU MSW (12/28/2025, 6f dirt); 3rd (92) at RET MSW (11/23/2025, 5.5f dirt); 2nd (90) at LS MSW (10/5/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (88) at HOU Trial (9/15/2025, 5f dirt); 1st (94) at RET MSW (8/26/2025, 5.5f dirt).
Analysis: Dual winner showing sharp form; Caldwell’s barn is hot. Diaz presses pace; light weight helps. High figures (95 recent); proven at distance. If sloppy, her muddy Retama effort (placing) aids. Contender for the win.
PP 6: Aunt Penny (3yo filly, by Bradester – Penny’s Boat)
Jockey: I Wiseman (experienced, 14% win rate). Trainer: D Pish (see above). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (93) at HOU MSW (12/14/2025, 6f dirt); 1st (95) at RET MSW (11/2/2025, 5.5f dirt); 3rd (92) at LS MSW (10/12/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (88) at HOU Trial (9/22/2025, 5f dirt); 5th (85) at RET MSW (8/5/2025, 5.5f dirt).
Analysis: Pish’s second entrant, fresh off maiden score. Wiseman can stalk; figures rising. Sibling to winners; fast dirt best. Outside post allows tracking; playable if duplicates 95.
PP 7: Texas Speed Queen (3yo filly, by Texas Bling – Speedy Queen)
Jockey: L J Luzzi (veteran, 17% win rate). Trainer: J R Caldwell (see above). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (98) at HOU MSW (12/21/2025, 6f dirt); 2nd (95) at RET MSW (11/9/2025, 5.5f dirt); 1st (97) at LS MSW (10/19/2025, 6f dirt); 3rd (92) at HOU Trial (9/8/2025, 5f dirt); 4th (88) at RET MSW (8/12/2025, 5.5f dirt).
Analysis: Caldwell’s second, undefeated in two recent starts with top weight. Luzzi’s experience key; peak figures (98 high). Proven closer; handles wet (muddy win at Lone Star). Wide draw okay; strong chance.
