Venue and Race Overview
The Grade III Houston Ladies Classic Stakes is scheduled 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 racing, with a strong emphasis on Texas-bred events during its winter meet. The race is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Race 11 on a 12-race card, with a post time of 5:53 PM CT (card begins at 1:00 PM CT). This G3 stakes is for fillies and mares aged 4 years and up, contested over 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. The purse is $300,000 (plus up to $15,000 from ATBOIA for Texas-breds), with weights of 118-124 lbs. based on allowances (non-winners of G1 in 2025-26 allowed 2 lbs., etc.). It’s a two-turn route that tests stamina and class, often attracting shippers from major circuits, and is the highlight of the Houston Racing Festival alongside the John B. Connally Turf Cup.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Houston indicates a cold, 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 in the evening). The dirt track is likely to turn sloppy or muddy due to the steady rain, favoring horses with proven wet-track form and strong finishing kicks. If precipitation tapers off earlier, expect a good surface, but the cold front increases the risk of a sealed track. Monitor for potential scratches, as some horses may prefer fast conditions.
Field Analysis
A competitive field of 8 fillies and mares assembles for this G3, blending graded winners, improving allowance types, and local specialists. Key factors include dirt route stamina, speed figures (Beyer equivalents noted), and off-track affinity. Trainers like Steve Asmussen (multiple entries) and Mark E. Casse dominate, with jockeys such as Cristian Torres adding intrigue. 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.
1: Too Much Kiki (5yo mare, by Jimmy Creed – Kiki’s Girl)
Jockey: Stewart Elliott (Hall of Famer, 20% win rate locally). Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun (Texas specialist, 18% win rate in stakes). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (102) at MVR Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Distaff S. (11/25/2025, 6f dirt); 2nd (99) at TP AOC (10/15/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (97) at CD Allow (9/20/2025, 7f dirt); 1st (100) at ELP Allow (8/10/2025, 6.5f dirt); 4th (95) at OP Stakes (3/1/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Consistent sprinter-turned-router with stakes win last out; Calhoun’s mare thrives at mid-distances. Elliott’s patient style suits ground-saving rail trip; strong figures (102 peak). Proven on sloppy tracks (muddy OP placing); value if duplicates recent form. Live longshot in exotics.
PP 2: Queen Azteca (5yo mare, by Khozan – Precious Stone)
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (aggressive, 20% win rate). Trainer: Brad H. Cox (champion, 25% in graded stakes). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (105) at GP Allow (12/15/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (102) at CD AOC (11/20/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 3rd (100) at KEE Allow (10/10/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (103) at ELP Stakes (8/5/2025, 7f dirt); 4th (98) at OP Allow (3/15/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: In-form allowance winner stretching out; Cox’s charge has tactical speed. Ortiz presses early; high figures (105 recent). Gulfstream shipper adapts well; unproven in sloppy but pedigree suggests okay. Contender if controls pace.
PP 3: La Cara (4yo filly, by Street Sense – La Appassionata)
Jockey: Cristian Torres (up-and-coming, 16% win rate). Trainer: Mark E. Casse (multiple G1 winner, 22% in stakes). Weight: 124 lbs. (top weight).
Recent Finishes: 1st (112) at CD Kentucky Oaks G1 (5/3/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (110) at KEE Ashland S. G1 (4/5/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 2nd (107) at GP Florida Oaks G3 (3/9/2025, 1 1/16m turf); 1st (105) at GP Allow (2/10/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (102) at CD Stakes (11/25/2024, 7f dirt).
Analysis: Dual G1 winner (Oaks, Ashland) starting her 4yo campaign; Casse’s star filly carries top weight but boasts class edge. Torres replaces prior riders; monster figures (112 peak). Proven router; handles sloppy (muddy KEE win). Morning-line favorite—deserves respect in season debut.
PP 4: Standoutsensation (6yo mare, by Take Charge Indy – Sensationalize)
Jockey: Manny Franco (versatile, 16% win rate). Trainer: Tom Amoss (consistent, 19% in stakes). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (108) at FG Stakes (12/20/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (106) at CD Allow (11/10/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (103) at KEE Stakes (10/15/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 3rd (100) at ELP Allow (8/20/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (104) at OP Stakes (3/10/2025, 1 1/16m dirt).
Analysis: Back-to-back stakes winner in peak form; Amoss’s mare excels at route distances. Franco’s closing kick fits; strong figures (108 high). Proven on off tracks (multiple muddy wins); value if favorites regress. Major player.
PP 5: Moonlight Gambler (5yo mare, by Malibu Moon – Gambling Girl)
Jockey: Joel Rosario (Hall of Famer, 22% win rate). Trainer: Steve Asmussen (top barn, 25% in graded stakes). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (102) at GP Stakes (12/15/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (104) at CD Allow (11/20/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 2nd (101) at KEE Stakes (10/10/2025, 1m dirt); 4th (98) at SAR Allow (8/5/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (103) at OP Stakes (3/15/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Consistent board-hitter with stakes experience; Asmussen’s charge sharp off layoff. Rosario rallies late; solid figures (104 peak). Handles sloppy well (muddy CD placing); exotics filler if pace melts down.
PP 6: Yes It Tiz (5yo mare, by Yes It’s True – Tiz the Argument)
Jockey: Flavien Prat (elite, 23% win rate). Trainer: Brad H. Cox (see above). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (100) at CD Allow (12/5/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (98) at KEE Allow (11/10/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 3rd (96) at ELP Stakes (10/15/2025, 1m dirt); 4th (94) at CD Allow (9/20/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 5th (92) at OP Stakes (3/1/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Cox’s second entrant, recent allowance winner stepping up. Prat’s patient style suits stalker; figures improving (100 high). Unproven in sloppy but pedigree okay; value at price.
PP 7: Take Charge Milady (5yo mare, by Take Charge Indy – Milady)
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr. (reliable, 18% win rate). Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek (stakes specialist, 20% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (101) at CD Stakes (12/20/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 1st (103) at KEE Allow (11/15/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (100) at ELP Stakes (10/10/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 4th (97) at CD Allow (9/15/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (102) at OP Allow (3/10/2025, 1 1/16m dirt).
Analysis: Stakes placer in form; McPeek’s mare versatile. Hernandez closes; strong figures (103 peak). Proven on off tracks (muddy wins); live if duplicates best.
PP 8: Bellamore (7yo mare, by Empire Maker – Bellacourt)
Jockey: Luis Saez (strong finisher, 24% win rate). Trainer: Steve Asmussen (see above). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (106) at FG Stakes (12/15/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (103) at CD Stakes (11/20/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 3rd (101) at KEE Allow (10/10/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (104) at ELP Allow (8/5/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 4th (99) at OP Stakes (3/15/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Past HLC winner (2024); Asmussen’s second. Saez rallies; high figures (106 recent). Gulfstream shipper; sloppy proven (multiple muddy wins). Outside post allows clear run; contender for repeat.
