The Star of Texas Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park is a one-mile dirt race for Texas-accredited four-year-olds and upward, offering a purse of $75,000. This stakes race is a highlight of the meet, featuring a competitive field of seasoned runners. Here’s a detailed analysis of the horses, jockeys, trainers, and pedigrees:
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pedigrees
- Dust Em (TX)
- Jockey: Floyd Wethey Jr.
- Trainer: Karen Jacks
- Pedigree: Too Much Bling – Dixie Dust, by Dixieland Heat
- Overview: Dust Em is a seven-year-old gelding with a strong record in stakes company. He recently scored a decisive win at this level, showcasing his class and consistency. His sire, Too Much Bling, is a leading Texas stallion known for producing sprinters and milers, while his dam adds stamina and durability. Dust Em enters as the morning-line favorite and is the horse to beat.
- Victory for Vets (TX)
- Jockey: Stewart Elliott
- Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
- Pedigree: Tapiture – Diamondinthestream, by Smart Strike
- Overview: This four-year-old colt has been in excellent form, with a recent stakes win to his name. His sire, Tapiture, was a multiple graded stakes winner, and his dam’s sire, Smart Strike, adds class and versatility. Victory for Vets is a top contender with a strong pedigree for this distance.
- Gold Pilot (TX)
- Jockey: Jose Alvarez
- Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
- Pedigree: My Golden Song – Formal Flyer, by Early Flyer
- Overview: Gold Pilot is an eight-year-old gelding with a wealth of experience in stakes races. His sire, My Golden Song, is a proven producer of Texas-bred stakes winners, while his dam adds speed and precocity. Gold Pilot’s consistency and class make him a serious threat.
- Son of a Bling (TX)
- Jockey: Rene Diaz
- Trainer: J.R. Caldwell
- Pedigree: Too Much Bling – Um Melakeh, by Jump Start
- Overview: This four-year-old gelding is stepping up in class after a solid allowance win. His sire, Too Much Bling, contributes speed, while his dam’s sire, Jump Start, adds stamina. Son of a Bling is an intriguing longshot with potential for improvement.
- Team Gormley (TX)
- Jockey: Deshawn Parker
- Trainer: Kevin Scholl
- Pedigree: Gormley – Dance Team, by Dynaformer
- Overview: Team Gormley is a five-year-old gelding with a recent allowance win to his name. His sire, Gormley, was a Grade 1-winning miler, and his dam’s sire, Dynaformer, adds stamina and toughness. Team Gormley is a versatile runner with a chance to contend.
- Champagne Stooper (TX)
- Jockey: David Cabrera
- Trainer: J.R. Caldwell
- Pedigree: Da Stoops – Champagne Sipper, by Menhal
- Overview: This six-year-old gelding has been competitive in allowance company but is stepping up to stakes level. His sire, Da Stoops, adds speed, while his dam’s sire, Menhal, contributes stamina. Champagne Stooper will need to improve to challenge the top contenders.
- Proven Advocate (TX)
- Jockey: Isaiah Wiseman
- Trainer: Jayde Gelner
- Pedigree: Not This Time – Song of Melody, by Flat Out
- Overview: Proven Advocate is a lightly raced four-year-old gelding with a promising pedigree. His sire, Not This Time, is a leading young stallion known for producing versatile runners, while his dam adds stamina. Proven Advocate is an improving type with potential to surprise.
Race Dynamics
The Star of Texas Stakes is shaping up to be a competitive race, with several horses boasting strong pedigrees and recent form. Dust Em and Victory for Vets stand out as the top contenders based on their class and consistency. Gold Pilot and Team Gormley also bring strong credentials and could pose a threat. The race is likely to favor horses with tactical speed and the ability to handle the one-mile distance on dirt.
This stakes race promises to deliver thrilling action as these talented Texas-breds vie for the $47,250 winner’s share of the purse.
