Venue: Sam Houston Race Park, located in Houston, Texas (a Class 1 thoroughbred and quarter horse facility that has hosted racing since 1994).
Race: Race 6 – Star of Texas Stakes (presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance), a $75,000-added stakes (includes $60,000 from the TTA Event Fund) for accredited Texas-bred four-year-olds and upward.
Distance/Surface: One mile on the main dirt track.
Conditions: Weight 123 lbs.; non-winners of a sweepstakes in 2025-2026 allowed 3 lbs.; non-winners of two races at a mile or longer since September 23, 2025 allowed 5 lbs. (maiden/claiming/starter races excluded). Preference to highest 2025-2026 earnings.
Scheduled Post Time: 3:15 PM Central Time (first post for the card is 1:00 PM CT; full 12-race program).
Expected Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny and very warm with a high of 85°F (RealFeel® near 87°F) and low around 61°F overnight. Southerly winds 10-15 mph (gusts to 20 mph possible in the afternoon), low humidity for a March day in Houston, and near-zero precipitation chance (rain probability 0-6%). Conditions are ideal for racing—no impact expected on the track or horses. Expected Track Conditions: Fast dirt. The dry, sunny forecast with minimal recent rainfall should produce a firm, speed-favoring main track typical for Sam Houston in mild March weather. No scratches reported at entry time.
Full Field Analysis (post positions drawn; field of 8 Texas-breds headlined by the defending 2025 champion).
Analysis incorporates last-race Equibase-style speed figures (where available from recent form indicators), trainer/jockey records in Texas stakes, pedigree suitability for one mile on dirt, post position, and weight adjustments. This is a competitive renewal for local Texas-bred stars.
PP 1 – Victory for Vets (TX) – 5yo Gelding, 118 lbs., Jockey: Jose L. Alvarez, Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun, ML: 8/5
Defending 2025 Star of Texas Stakes champion returns for the repeat under allowance weight (non-winner of a recent sweepstakes adjustment). By Tapiture out of a Smart Strike mare, he has proven one-turn mile stamina and a strong closing kick on Sam Houston dirt. Last-race speed figure of 113 signals solid recent form; Calhoun (a perennial leading Texas trainer with multiple stakes wins here) knows this horse intimately and has him razor-sharp off a game seasonal debut victory. Alvarez is a top local rider with excellent inside-post success. Post 1 is ideal for saving ground early in a field without much early speed. Top contender—expect him to stalk and pounce late. Strong win probability at short odds.
PP 2 – Turn North (TX) – 5yo Gelding, 118 lbs., Jockey: Deshawn L. Parker, Trainer: Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez, ML: 9/2
Consistent performer by Classic Empire out of a Harlan’s Holiday mare, bred for distance. Recent speed figure of 106 shows steady improvement in local allowance company. Ramirez-Rodriguez has had success with similar Texas-bred routers; Parker is reliable in mid-pack trips. Post 2 offers flexibility to sit just off the pace or press. Dangerous underneath at a square price—could improve second off a layoff or with the weight break. Live longshot chance if the favorite gets caught wide.
PP 3 – Proven Advocate (TX) – 5yo Gelding, 118 lbs., Jockey: Elvin Gonzalez, Trainer: Jayde J. Gelner, ML: 8/1
By Not This Time, a speed influence that translates well to one mile. Last-race speed figure of 113 matches the favorite’s recent mark, indicating sharp form. Gonzalez is a veteran Sam Houston rider who excels in stalking trips; Gelner’s barn has been competitive in restricted stakes. Post 3 is excellent for a clean break and mid-pack positioning. Could be the “other” speed or presser—value play if the top two get embroiled in a pace duel.
PP 4 – Bobby Brinkley (TX) – 8yo Gelding, 118 lbs., Jockey: Lane J. Luzzi, Trainer: J.R. Caldwell, ML: 15/1
Veteran by Shanghai Bobby; age is a concern but he’s a proven Sam Houston grinder with prior stakes placings. Recent speed figure of 97 is below top contenders, but the weight allowance helps. Caldwell (strong local trainer with multiple entries here) and Luzzi pair well for mid-pack rallies. Post 4 is neutral. Best as a deep closer for exotics at a price; unlikely to win but could hit the board if pace collapses.
PP 5 – Mr Jaws (TX) – 4yo Gelding, 123 lbs., Jockey: Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez, Trainer: Jerry Gourneau, ML: 30/1
Youngest in the field by Bradester; still eligible for the full weight. Recent speed figure of 91 is the lowest here, suggesting he needs more seasoning against these veterans. Gourneau is capable but this barn is less prominent in stakes; Valdez-Jiminez is a solid journeyman. Post 5 is fine but he’ll likely be outrun early. Longshot—use only in superfectas for chaos value.
PP 6 – Golden Grit (TX) – 4yo Gelding, 118 lbs., Jockey: Rene Diaz, Trainer: J.R. Caldwell, ML: 4/1
High-class prospect by My Golden Song with a standout recent speed figure of 124—the best in the field and a clear signal of peak form. Caldwell (who also trains Bobby Brinkley) has this one rolling; Diaz is aggressive and fits a pressing style. Post 6 allows a stalking trip from just outside. Pedigree and recent number scream “bounce-up” potential. Serious win threat—could wire or sit just off and dominate if the pace is honest. Excellent value second choice.
PP 7 – Tx Code (TX) – 5yo Gelding, 123 lbs., Jockey: Stewart Elliott, Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun, ML: 5/1
By Honor Code out of a Lemon Drop Kid mare—classic stamina pedigree for the mile. Recent speed figure of 120 is elite. Elliott (Hall of Fame-caliber veteran) reunites with Calhoun’s second stringer; the barn is hot. Full weight but post 7 gives room to maneuver wide or drop in. Could be the controlling speed or rate just off Victory for Vets. Live closer at a workable price—major exotic player.
PP 8 – Dust Em (TX) – 8yo Gelding, 123 lbs., Jockey: Floyd Wethey Jr., Trainer: Karen E. Jacks, ML: 6/1
Veteran by Too Much Bling with a respectable recent speed figure of 111. Jacks gets good efforts from older Texas-breds; Wethey is a patient rider suited to outside posts. Post 8 is the widest but the one-mile distance mitigates traffic issues. Could close strongly late if the pace heats up. Solid for place/show or multi-race wagers; another Caldwell/Jacks veteran that always shows up at Sam Houston.
Summary & Wagering Angles
- Favorites: Victory for Vets (8/5) is the logical top pick as the defending champion with ideal post, weight, and trainer. Golden Grit (4/1) is the most dangerous on recent figures.
- Key Exotic Plays: Exacta box or wheel with Victory for Vets / Golden Grit / Tx Code / Turn North. Tri/Super include Dust Em and Proven Advocate underneath for value.
- Pace Scenario: Moderate early tempo likely (no confirmed front-runner dominates); stalkers and closers (Victory for Vets, Golden Grit, Tx Code) have the edge on fast dirt.
- Trainer/Jockey Notes: Calhoun (two entries) and Caldwell (two entries) dominate the barn strength. Alvarez, Elliott, and Diaz are the riders to watch.
