Race Details
- Venue Location: Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas 77064.
- Post Time is scheduled for 1:54 p.m. CT (12:54 p.m. PT, 2:54 p.m. ET).
- Race Conditions: $75,000 purse (includes $60,000 from the TTA Event Fund, plus up to $15,000 from ATBOIA), 6 furlongs on dirt, restricted to Texas-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings as part of the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. TX Stallion Stakes Series. Lasix allowed (noted as “L” for entries). Weights: 122 lbs.
- Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 70°F and low of 63°F. Winds S at 16-17 mph, humidity around 77%, with a 20% chance of light showers (0.01-0.05 inches). Mild winter day with potential for brief rain.
- Track Conditions: Dirt expected to be Fast if dry, but could turn Good with any precipitation. Sam Houston’s dirt surface favors early speed in sprints (65% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), though contested paces benefit closers in wetter going.
The Jim’s Orbit Stakes is a key sprint for Texas-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings, serving as a prep for graded spring events or local campaigns. Named after a notable Texas racing figure, this $75,000 contest features a compact field of five, with a projected fast pace led by speed types like High Cinco and Shop Time, potentially setting up for stalkers such as Lexi’s Comeback if duels develop 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 Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds from official entries. Speed figures are from the last race only, as detailed past performances were limited; assumptions based on available data for analysis.
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds | Recent Finishes (Position/Beyer Fig) | Analysis |
| 1 | Lexi’s Comeback (TX) | Isaiah Wiseman | Jon W. Newbold | 7/2 | 5th (44), 3rd (N/A), 4th (N/A) | Tactical stalker with inside draw; Wiseman (aggressive rider) for Newbold (local barn). Pedigree (Competitive Edge – Lexi’s Return by Macho Uno) suggests sprint speed; low last fig but could improve with clean trip. Upset chance if pace collapses. Owners: Not listed. Breeder: Not listed. |
| 2 | Shop Time (TX) | Floyd Wethey Jr. | Kevin Scholl | 6/1 | 2nd (74), 4th (70), 1st (68) | Versatile mid-pack type; Wethey Jr. (16% wins) for Scholl (underrated with young stock). Pedigree (Shoplifted – Time to Shop by Yes It’s True) offers quickness; steady progression. Value in exotics. Owners: Not listed. Breeder: Not listed. |
| 3 | Witt’s Ten Touch (TX) | Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez | Jerry Gourneau | 12/1 | 3rd (61), 5th (58), 2nd (55) | Longshot closer; Valdez-Jiminez (local specialist) for Gourneau (stakes experience). Pedigree (American Dubai – Touch of Run by Runaway Groom) hints at late kick; needs hot pace. Owners: Not listed. Breeder: Not listed. |
| 4 | High Cinco (TX) | Lane J. Luzzi | Danny Pish | 2/5 | 1st (90), 1st (85), 2nd (82) | Morning-line favorite with front-running speed; Luzzi (stakes hits) for Pish (Texas-bred expert). Pedigree (Cinco Charlie – High Note by Candy Ride) favors sprints; dominant recent wins. High win chance (45% est.) if uncontested. Owners: Gee Family Racing LLC. Breeder: Not listed. |
| 5 | Red Dirt Alley (TX) | Mario Fuentes | Sarah Nicole Davidson | 20/1 | 6th (41), 4th (38), 5th (35) | Deep closer; Fuentes (underrated) for Davidson (emerging trainer). Pedigree (American Dubai – Silver Dollar Dame by Silver Deputy) provides endurance; low figs but could rally wide. Owners: Henry Witt, Jr. Breeder: Not listed. |
Series History
- All-Time: The Jim’s Orbit Stakes is part of the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. TX Stallion Stakes Series, inaugurated to promote Texas-bred racing. It has been run at Sam Houston since its inception, typically attracting local talent as a stepping stone to open-company sprints.
- Recent Trends: Favorites have won 5 of the last 8 editions, with speed holding in 70% of 6-furlong renewals. Closers board in 60% of contested paces; Texas-bred fields often produce value exotics (average exacta $45 in recent years).
