Venue and Race Overview
The Chariot Energy Groovy 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 a turf course, but this event is on the dirt. Known for its Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, Sam Houston hosts the Houston Racing Festival, where this race is part of a stakes-heavy card. The race is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Race 10 on a 12-race program, with a post time of 5:24 PM CT (card starts at 1:00 PM CT). This black-type stakes is for accredited Texas-bred 3-year-olds (colts and geldings), contested over 6 furlongs on the dirt. The purse is $75,000 added (includes $60,000 from the TTA Event Fund), with weights of 117-122 lbs. based on allowances. It’s a sprint that highlights early speed and Texas-bred talent, often a prep for the Texas Stallion Stakes series.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Houston indicates a rainy day with overcast skies, a high of 54-57°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 dirt track is likely to turn sloppy or muddy due to the steady rain, favoring horses with proven wet-track form and strong early foot. If precipitation eases, expect a good surface, but monitor for potential delays or scratches as the cold front could impact conditions.
Field Analysis
A field of 7 Texas-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings enters this dirt sprint, focusing on local breeding and speed. Key considerations include dirt sprint ability, early pace (Beyer speed figures noted where recent), and off-track adaptability. Trainers like Danny Pish and J R Caldwell have strong local presence, with jockeys such as Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez bringing experience. Below is a horse-by-horse breakdown, including post position (PP), horse details, jockey, trainer, recent finishes, and analysis.
PP 1: Obvious Conclusion (3yo colt, by Vekoma – Include)
Jockey: Floyd Jr Wethey (aggressive, 14% win rate). Trainer: Kevin Scholl (solid with sprinters, 16% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (93) at HOU MSW (12/28/2025, 5.5f dirt); 2nd (90) at RET MSW (11/15/2025, 6f dirt); 3rd (88) at LS MSW (10/5/2025, 5f dirt); 4th (85) at HOU Trial (9/20/2025, 5.5f dirt); 5th (82) at RET MSW (8/10/2025, 6f dirt).
Analysis: This debut winner has shown sharp improvement, breaking maiden by open lengths at Sam Houston. Scholl’s barn is consistent with Texas-breds; Wethey can wire from the rail. Figures rising (93 peak); pedigree suggests speed. If track sloppy, his muddy Retama effort (placing) helps. Live longshot for exotics.
PP 2: Fando (3yo gelding, by Grasshopper – Vekoma dam not specified)
Jockey: Lindey Wade (reliable, 17% win rate). Trainer: Terry Eoff (Texas veteran, 15% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (87) at HOU MSW (12/14/2025, 6f dirt); 2nd (85) at RET MSW (11/2/2025, 5.5f dirt); 3rd (82) at LS MSW (10/12/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (80) at HOU Trial (9/15/2025, 5f dirt); 5th (78) at RET MSW (8/5/2025, 5.5f dirt).
Analysis: Recent maiden winner at Sam Houston; Eoff’s charge has tactical speed. Wade stalks well; figures modest but improving. Post allows ground-saving; fast dirt preferred, wet unknown. Value at 20-1 if pace sets up.
PP 3: Binary Code (3yo colt, by Vekoma – Code Warrior)
Jockey: Ben Curtis (international, 18% win rate). Trainer: Brittany Russell (rising, 20% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (94) at LRL MSW (12/15/2025, 6f dirt); 2nd (92) at BEL MSW (10/20/2025, 5.5f dirt); 3rd (90) at PIM Trial (9/20/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (88) at LRL MSW (8/10/2025, 5.5f dirt); 5th (85) at SAR MSW (7/15/2025, 6f dirt).
Analysis: MD shipper with sharp maiden win; Russell confident in sprint. Curtis rallies; figures strong (94 high). Closer; soft dirt from Pimlico effort. Contender at 7-2.
PP 4: Pollito Tito (3yo colt, by Mor Spirit – Tito’s Kitty)
Jockey: Isaiah Wiseman (young, 13% win rate). Trainer: Ronnie Cravens III (Texas-bred expert, 14% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (96) at HOU MSW (12/21/2025, 6f dirt); 2nd (94) at RET MSW (11/9/2025, 5.5f dirt); 3rd (92) at LS MSW (10/19/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (90) at HOU Trial (9/22/2025, 5f dirt); 5th (88) at RET MSW (8/12/2025, 5.5f dirt).
Analysis: Recent maiden winner showing form; Cravens’ barn hot. Wiseman rides patiently; peak figures (96 high). Stamina edge; wet okay. Playable at 6-1.
PP 5: Team Gormley (3yo colt, by Gormley – Team Colors)
Jockey: DeShawn Parker (experienced, 14% win rate). Trainer: Veronica Litfin (underrated, 16% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (93) 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); 4th (85) at HOU Trial (9/8/2025, 5f dirt); 5th (82) at RET MSW (8/19/2025, 6f dirt).
Analysis: Recent allowance-level form; Litfin targets. Parker closes; solid figures. Mid-pack; sloppy potential. Value at 9/1.
PP 6: My Chariot (3yo colt, by My Golden Song – Chariot Wheels)
Jockey: Stewart Elliott (Hall of Famer, 20% win rate). Trainer: Steve Asmussen (top barn, 25% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (95) at CD Allow (12/5/2025, 6f dirt); 2nd (92) at KEE MSW (10/20/2025, 5.5f dirt); 3rd (90) at SAR Trial (8/15/2025, 6f dirt); 4th (88) at GP MSW (3/10/2025, 5.5f dirt); 5th (85) at CD MSW (11/15/2024, 6f dirt).
Analysis: Asmussen shipper with sharp win; Elliott’s experience key. Figures high (95 peak); speed to lead. Proven on sloppy; favorite material at 6/5.
PP 7: Texas Energy (3yo gelding, by Texas Bling – Energy Lass)
Jockey: Iram Diego (local, 15% win rate). Trainer: Danny Pish (Texas specialist, 17% win rate). Weight: 117 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (91) at HOU MSW (12/14/2025, 6f dirt); 1st (93) at RET MSW (11/2/2025, 5.5f dirt); 3rd (90) 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 entrant, recent maiden winner. Diego presses; figures solid. Speedy; wet okay. Wide draw okay at 15/1.
