February 18, Houston ~ Arabians were featured in two graded stakes tonight at Sam Houston Race Park and two offspring of Burning Sand were big winners.
The fillies kicked the evening off in the $30,000 Yellow Rose, with Ms Dixie holding off a determined effort by Rich Kinkga in the seven furlong stakes. Jockey Erik McNeil, guided the 4-year-old Florida-bred filly deftly out of the gate, and prevailed in a final time of 1:36.82. Bred by Bill Waldron of Brooksville, Florida, Ms Dixie is owned by Quarter Moon Ranch LLC and trained by Scott Powell.
“She was giving her all and kind of slowed down at the quarter pole,” said McNeil. “But when I asked her to rally, she gave me all she had.”
“She ran a game race and finished strong,” said Powell. “You never know when you have to ship in from Utah.”
Sent off at 9-1, Ms Dixie paid $20.60 for the win, earning $15,000 this evening. Powell indicated she will make her next start at Delaware Park.
Owner and breeder Todd Moak had reason to celebrate in the $30,000 Texas Six Shooter for Arabian colts and geldings when TM Junior Johnson drew clear in the stretch. Trained by Jerenesto Torrez, the 4-year-old Texas-bred colt was ridden to victory by Jose Figueroa. TM Junior Johnson reeled off three consecutive wins at Delaware Park, then ran second at Lone Star Park on November 11.
“This horse is amazing,” said Figueroa. “I’ve been working this horse and ran second in Dallas. I had so much horse; he was playing around with me, but when he saw the horse to his outside, he just dug in.”
“He ran a little flat in Dallas,” added Moak. “But he had the great Jerenesto Torrez and a good ride from Jose; the best connections I have.”
TM Junior Johnson was sent off as the third-betting choice and paid $12.00 to win, completing seven furlongs in 1:34.38.
The 2012 Thoroughbred meet continues through Monday, March 12, with post times set for Friday and Saturday (7 p.m.), Sunday (5 p.m.) and Monday (1 p.m.). The meet will feature special events including Ladies Night on February 25, the $150,000 MAXXAM Gold Cup on March 3 and Camel & Ostrich Races on March 10. The park will also host a 27-day Quarter Horse Meet from March 22 – May 19.
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 19 luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Champion Energy Services Jockey Club. Sam Houston Race Park Platinum Partners include Bud Light and Champion Energy Services. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com. 
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