The Two Altazano 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 turf for fillies, 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 (Turf)
- Eligibility: Fillies, Three Years Old
- Weight: 117 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 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:
- Blingster (PP: 6, 1/1)
- Jockey: Jose L. Alvarez
- Trainer: Wayne B. Calhoun
- Pedigree: Bradester – Splendored (by Proud Citizen)
- Recent Form: Blingster has been impressive in recent races and is the morning line favorite. She has shown strong speed and consistency on turf.
- Tequila Kiss (PP: 7, 3/1)
- Jockey: Alfredo Triana Jr.
- Trainer: J. R. Caldwell
- Pedigree: Competitive Edge – Sheila Tequila (by Kafwain)
- Recent Form: Tequila Kiss has shown potential and could be a strong contender with the right strategy. She will be racing with blinkers on for the first time.
- Edge Chaser (PP: 4, 9/2)
- Jockey: Chris Landeros
- Trainer: J. R. Caldwell
- Pedigree: Competitive Edge – Conquest Bebop (by Scat Daddy)
- Recent Form: Edge Chaser has shown promise and could perform well with the right trip.
- Citycityblingbling (PP: 1, 6/1)
- Jockey: Rene Diaz
- Trainer: Austin Gustafson
- Pedigree: Too Much Bling – Silver in the City (by Silver City)
- Recent Form: Citycityblingbling has shown consistent form and could be a contender with the right strategy.
- Itty Bitty Baby (PP: 5, 8/1)
- Jockey: Lindey Wade
- Trainer: Allen C. Dupuy
- Pedigree: Latent Heat – Special Ending (by Special Rate)
- Recent Form: Itty Bitty Baby has shown potential and could perform well with the right trip.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With Blingster 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 Tequila Kiss and Edge Chaser to make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Itty Bitty Baby and Citycityblingbling could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
