The Houston Turf Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park is set to take place on February 15, 2025. This race offers a purse of $75,000 and covers a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on turf for Texas Accredited horses, four years old and upward. Here’s a detailed strategic preview of the race:
Race Details:
- Purse: $75,000 (plus $75,000 – TTA – TX Thoroughbred Assoc.)
- Distance: One and One Sixteenth Miles (Turf)
- Eligibility: Texas Accredited Four Year Olds And Upward
- Weight: 123 Lbs
- Entry Fees: No nomination fee. $500 due at time of entry. Starters to pay an additional $500. Supplemental nominations in the amount of $2,000 may be made at time of entry and shall include all fees1. $75,000 Added from the TTA Event Fund.
- Purse Distribution: $1,000 to all starters sixth through last. The remaining balance to be distributed: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth, and 3% to fifth. Any monies in excess of $75,000 will be added to the open purse amount.
- Weight Allowances: Non-winners of a Sweepstakes at a mile or over since August 15, 2024 allowed 3 Lbs. Two races at a mile or over since August 15, 2024 allowed 5 Lbs. A race at any distance since August 15, 2024 allowed 7 Lbs. (Maiden, Claiming and Starter races not considered in weight allowances).
- Starters: Limited to twelve starters with preference to horses with the highest earnings in 2024-2025 at the time of entry. Horses not drawing a starting position in the gate will receive a refund of the entry fee.
Top Contenders:
- Sunlit Song (PP: 7, 6/5)
- Jockey: Stewart Elliott
- Trainer: Mindy Willis
- Pedigree: My Golden Song – Fly So True (by Early Flyer)
- Recent Form: Sunlit Song, the 2023 Texas Horse of the Year, has shown consistent performance and is the morning line favorite. He has a strong track record on turf and is known for his determination.
- Gold Pilot (PP: 8, 3/1)
- Jockey: Jose L. Alvarez
- Trainer: Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch
- Pedigree: My Golden Song – Formal Flyer (by Early Flyer)
- Recent Form: Gold Pilot has shown promise and could be a strong contender with the right strategy.
- Silence d’Oro (PP: 6, 9/2)
- Jockey: Lindey Wade
- Trainer: Mindy Willis
- Pedigree: Silentio – Flair for Fashion (by Old Fashioned)
- Recent Form: Silence d’Oro has shown potential and could perform well with the right trip.
- Bobby Brinkley (PP: 4, 8/1)
- Jockey: Chris Landeros
- Trainer: J. R. Caldwell
- Pedigree: Shanghai Bobby – Brinkley (by City Zip)
- Recent Form: Bobby Brinkley has shown consistent form and could be a contender with the right strategy.
- Mor Victory (PP: 1, 6/1)
- Jockey: Isaiah Wiseman
- Trainer: Jayde Gelner
- Pedigree: Mor Spirit – Deputy Sarah (by Deputy Commander)
- Recent Form: Mor Victory has shown promise and could perform well with the right trip.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With Sunlit Song likely to set the early pace, jockeys will need to position their mounts well to avoid getting caught in traffic.
- Mid-Race Moves: Look for horses like Gold Pilot and Silence d’Oro to make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Bobby Brinkley and Mor Victory could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
