The Jim’s Orbit 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 six furlongs on dirt for colts and geldings, three years old. Here’s a detailed strategic preview of the race:
Race Details:
- Purse: $75,000 (plus $60,000 – TTA – TX Thoroughbred Assoc.; plus Up To $15,000 Atb)
- Distance: Six Furlongs (Dirt)
- Eligibility: Colts and Geldings, Three Years Old
- Weight: 117 lbs (except Ring Seeker and Tizabling at 122 lbs)
- Entry Fees: Free nomination by Sunday, February 2. $1,500 to enter. A $150 supplemental nomination fee may be made prior to closing time of entries.
- Purse Distribution: After payment of 1% to all owners of horses finishing sixth through last, 62% of the remaining purse shall be paid to the owner of the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, and 3% to fifth.
Top Contenders:
- Ring Seeker (PP: 5, 8/5)
- Jockey: Stewart Elliott
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Pedigree: Too Much Bling – My Italian Rabbi (by Competitive Edge)
- Recent Form: Ring Seeker has shown consistent form and has been competitive in graded stakes races. He’s a strong contender with a solid pedigree.
- Tizabling (PP: 7, 5/2)
- Jockey: David Cabrera
- Trainer: Matt Hebert
- Pedigree: Too Much Bling – Tiz Tiz (by Tiznow)
- Recent Form: Tizabling has shown promise and could be a contender with the right strategy.
- Mikel W (PP: 2, 7/2)
- Jockey: Iram V. Diego
- Trainer: Carlos A. Padilla
- Pedigree: Bradester – Sophia’s Night (by Yes It’s True)
- Recent Form: Mikel W has shown potential and could perform well with the right trip.
- Dr Skyscraper (PP: 6, 9/2)
- Jockey: Alfredo Triana Jr.
- Trainer: M. Brent Davidson
- Pedigree: Sky Flight – Marrybellanight (by Mr. Nightlinger)
- Recent Form: Dr Skyscraper has shown promise and could be a contender with the right strategy.
- Golden Grit (PP: 3, 10/1)
- Jockey: Chris Landeros
- Trainer: J. R. Caldwell
- Pedigree: My Golden Song – Flying by Fayth (by Flying Baron)
- Recent Form: Golden Grit has shown potential and could perform well with the right trip.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With Ring Seeker and Tizabling 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 Mikel W and Dr Skyscraper to make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Golden Grit and other contenders could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
