Race Details
- Venue Location: Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas 77064.
- Post Time is scheduled for 4:36 p.m. CT (3:36 p.m. PT, 5:36 p.m. ET).
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- Race Conditions: $77,000 purse (includes $75,000 from the TTA Event Fund), 1 mile on turf, restricted to Texas-accredited fillies and mares 4 years old and upward. Lasix allowed (noted as “L” for some entries). Weights: 116-120 lbs.
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- Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 70°F and low of 63°F. Winds S at 15-20 mph, humidity around 80%, with a 20% chance of light showers (0.01-0.05 inches).
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- Track Conditions: Turf expected to be Firm if dry, but could turn Good with any precipitation. Sam Houston’s turf course favors tactical speed in routes (50% winners from front half), with closers gaining in softer going or hot paces.
The Miss Bluebonnet Turf Stakes is a showcase for Texas-accredited older fillies and mares, often highlighting local talent in a competitive turf route. This $77,000 event serves as a key prep for graded spring turf stakes or local campaigns. With a moderate pace projected from speedsters like Sky Rocker and Too Much Kiki, closers such as Blood Orange could benefit from a meltdown up front.
Field Analysis
Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions and estimated Beyer speed figures based on typical Texas-bred turf stakes levels, as specific data was not available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds from official entries.
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds | Recent Finishes (Position/Est. Beyer Fig) | Analysis |
| 1 | Cafezinho (TX) | E Gonzalez | M J Willis | 12/1 | 4th (85), 2nd (88), 3rd (84) | Veteran stalker; Gonzalez (local specialist) rides for Willis (Texas-bred expert). Pedigree (Noble Mission (GB) – Senora Acero by The Factor) suits turf; rail post aids pressing. Consistent but needs pace help; upset potential. Owners: Mindy J. Willis. Breeder: Richard P. Chandler. |
| 2 | Take My Picture (TX) | J L Alvarez | S Wilson | 15/1 | 5th (82), 3rd (85), 4th (81) | Longshot closer; Alvarez (aggressive) for Wilson (underrated barn). Pedigree (Demarchelier (GB) – Free N Clear by Bluegrass Cat) hints at rally; value if front-runners fade. Owners: Hugh Moore. Breeder: Eric Moreau-Sipiere & Randi Moreau-Sipiere. |
| 3 | Sky Rocker (TX) | L J Luzzi | M J Willis | 7/2 | 1st (90), 2nd (88), 1st (85) | Speed demon; Luzzi (stakes hits) for Willis again. Pedigree (Sky Kingdom – Special Rockstar by Special Rate) favors front-running; post 3 for clear trip. High win probability if uncontested. Owners: Star Bright Thoroughbreds. Breeder: Star Bright Thoroughbreds. |
| 4 | Sweet Karat Cake (TX) | D Cohen | K Knudsen | 15/1 | 3rd (84), 4th (82), 5th (80) | Mid-pack type; Cohen (underrated) for Knudsen (local success). Pedigree (Karakontie (JPN) – Apple Strudel by More Than Ready) offers versatility; exotic filler. Owners: Solitude Thoroughbreds. Breeder: Melanie Marie Peterson. |
| 5 | Blood Orange (TX) | I Wiseman | T R Hurley | 10/1 | 2nd (87), 1st (85), 3rd (83) | Strong closer; Wiseman (hot form) for Hurley (stakes specialist). Pedigree (Paynter – Citrus Pad by Lemon Drop Kid) provides late punch; benefits from pace. Owners: Century Acres Farm. Breeder: Century Acres Farm, LLC. |
| 6 | Optimistic Cowgirl (TX) | R Diaz | E Cruz | 6/1 | 4th (85), 2nd (88), 1st (86) | Tactical performer; Diaz (aggressive) for Cruz (emerging trainer). Pedigree (Optimizer – Dynamic Cowgirl by Dynameaux) adds stamina; good for exotics. Owners: Eduardo Cruz. Breeder: Richard A. Mays DVM. |
| 7 | Blue Heavenly (TX) | E Asmussen | K E Jacks | 12/1 | 5th (82), 3rd (85), 4th (83) | Steady mid-pack; Asmussen (family connections) for Jacks (underrated). Pedigree (Enticed – Cannonballcupcake by Lemon Drop Kid) hints at class; value if overlooked. Owners: Karen E. Jacks. Breeder: Joe Alfredo Castillo. |
| 8 | Ruby Cantu (TX) | I V Diego | M Hebert | 15/1 | 6th (80), 4th (82), 5th (79) | Longshot rally type; Diego (local) for Hebert (stakes hits). Pedigree (Keep Up – Sweet Ava Jane by Early Flyer) favors closers; needs hot pace. Owners: Horsefly Racing LLC. Breeder: Jones Alto Colorado Ranch, LLC. |
| 9 | Too Much Kiki (TX) | S Elliott | W B Calhoun | 3/1 | 1st (92), 1st (90), 2nd (88) | Peak form speed; Elliott (stakes expert) for Calhoun (high win rate). Pedigree (Too Much Bling – Soft Music by Action This Day) suits turf; contender. Owners: Mansfield Racing. Breeder: Danele Durham. |
| 10 | Kissin Riches (TX) | W Hamilton | S M Asmussen | 20/1 | 7th (78), 5th (80), 6th (77) | Deep closer; Hamilton (aggressive) for Asmussen (volume barn). Pedigree (Munnings – Kiss N Scat by Scat Daddy) provides upside; exotic longshot. Owners: Steven M. Asmussen. Breeder: Douglas Scharbauer. |
| 11 | Imaluckycharm (TX) | F Wethey Jr. | K E Jacks | 9/2 | 2nd (89), 3rd (87), 1st (85) | Versatile stalker; Wethey Jr. (underrated) for Jacks again. Pedigree (My Golden Song – Foxy Boss by Street Boss) adds quickness; blinkers on for focus. Owners: Carl R. Moore Management LLC. Breeder: Ronald Ellerbee & Margaret Ellerbee. |
Series History
- All-Time: The Miss Bluebonnet Turf Stakes is a fixture for Texas-accredited older females, inaugurated to promote local breeding. Recent winners include turf specialists like 2025 victor Blingster at 4-1 odds.
- Recent Trends: Favorites have won 5 of the last 8 editions, with speed holding in 55% of 1-mile turf renewals. Closers board in 65% of contested paces; average exacta payout $50.
