The Miss Bluebonnet 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 mile on turf for Texas Accredited fillies and mares, 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 Mile (Turf)
- Eligibility: Texas Accredited Fillies And Mares 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 fees.
- 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 since August 15, 2024 allowed 3 Lbs. Two races since August 15, 2024 allowed 5 Lbs. A race since August 15, 2024 allowed 7 Lbs. (Maiden, Claiming and Starter races not considered in weight allowances.)
- Starters: Limited to fourteen 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. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner.
Top Contenders:
- Imaluckycharm (PP: 8, 8/5)
- Jockey: Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez
- Trainer: Karen Jacks
- Pedigree: My Golden Song – Foxy Boss (by Street Boss)
- Recent Form: Imaluckycharm has been consistent and is the favorite for this race. She has shown strong performances in recent races and is expected to be a top contender.
- No Mas Tequila (PP: 7, 3/1)
- Jockey: Jose L. Alvarez
- Trainer: Karen Jacks
- Pedigree: Northern Afleet – Foxy Boss (by Street Boss)
- Recent Form: No Mas Tequila has shown good form and is another strong contender. She has the potential to perform well in this race.
- Sky Rocker (PP: 3, 4/1)
- Jockey: David Cabrera
- Trainer: Mindy Willis
- Pedigree: Sky Kingdom – Special Rockstar (by Special Rate)
- Recent Form: Sky Rocker has been in good form and is expected to be competitive in this race. She has shown the ability to perform well on turf.
- Optimistic Cowgirl (PP: 10, 6/1)
- Jockey: Elvin Gonzalez
- Trainer: Eduardo Cruz
- Pedigree: Optimizer – Dynamic Cowgirl (by Dynameaux)
- Recent Form: Optimistic Cowgirl has shown potential and could be a contender with the right strategy.
- Blood Orange (PP: 2, 15/1)
- Jockey: Deshawn Parker
- Trainer: Tina Hurley
- Pedigree: Paynter – Citrus Pad (by Lemon Drop Kid)
- Recent Form: Blood Orange has shown consistent performance and could be a dark horse in this race.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With Imaluckycharm 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 Sky Rocker and No Mas Tequila to make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Optimistic Cowgirl and Blood Orange could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
