 Jack
Coady/Coady Photography
COLOR CODE AND DEFIANT FLYER SCORE IN THE $100,000 TWO ALTAZANO AND
JIM'S ORBIT AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK
Houston, TX - Feb. 18, 2012 - The third leg of the Texas Stallion
Stakes Series took place at Sam Houston Race Park this evening and
two completely different running styles made for very exciting
racing action. It was a front-running score by Color Code in the
$100,000 Two Altazano and a huge run from off the pace by Defiant
Flyer in the $100,000 Jim’s Orbit. Both stakes were supported by the
Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) for progeny of nominated Texas
stallions.
In 2005, the TTA renamed each of the Texas Stallion Stakes races to
honor a famous Texas Thoroughbred. The colts and gelding division at
Sam Houston Race Park has been named for Jim’s Orbit, who won the
Grade 2 Ohio Derby and started in the 1988 Kentucky Derby. The
fillies division is a tribute to Two Altazano, winner of the Grade 1
Coaching Club American Oaks in 1994. The accomplished mare, owned by
the late Harold V. Goodman, was inducted into the Texas Horse Racing
Hall of Fame in 2003.
The $100,000 Two Altazano, Color Code, owned by Will S. Farish, set
the pace from her inside post and never relinquished the lead.
Jockey Roman Chapa and trainer Steve Asmussen have been a formidable
duo, winning the last three stakes of the Sam Houston Thoroughbred
meeting.
The daughter of Too Much Bling ran the first quarter in :24.04 and
covered the half-mile in :48.06. At the top of the lane, Chapa had
plenty of filly left, drawing off to a four-length victory, covering
the mile in 1:39.93. Mary Johnson, daughter of owner Will S. Farish,
was on hand to accept the trophy.
“The filly just broke out in front and really relaxed for me,” said
Chapa. “My fractions were slow, but when it was time to go, she gave
it all. It kind of surprised me, but at the 3/16th pole, she just
went on. It was a thrill to ride her today.”
Trainer Steve Asmussen flew into Houston this evening, just missing
the race, but liked what he saw on the replay.
“She’s a nice filly,” said Asmussen. “It worked out well. Roman gave
her a great trip and she handled the mile. It was nice to see her
win again. Hopefully she’s got a few more in her.”
Nothinbettertodo, owned by
Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. and trained by Bret Calhoun, was second
in the $50,000 Bara Lass here on January 20, and runner-up again
this evening.
“Everything went well,” said rider Cliff Berry. “The pace might have
been a little slow, but she ran a good race.”
Color Code ($7.60) added $60,000 to her career bankroll, topping the
$100,000 mark in earnings. Cowgirl N Up, Miss Lederhosen, Avec Glass
and Shewantsaprenup completed the order of finish.
Seven colts and geldings went to the starting gate in the $100,000
Jim's Orbit, also at one mile, and the front-running Sword Trick set
the early fractions under Cliff Berry. Owned by Clarence Scharbaurer,
Jr., Sword Trick won the $50,000 Groovy Stakes on Texas Champions
Day weekend and was honored as the Texas Thoroughbred Association's
2-year-old champion. But Defiant Flyer, who shipped in from
Hawthorne Park, made a huge run in the final furlong and drew off to
a 1 ¾ length victory. Jockey Jesse Campbell rode the son of
Early
Flyer for trainer Liane P. Davis and owner Double D. Stables. He
relished the distance of one mile, winning in a final time of
1:39.94.
“To be honest, that’s the reason I flew in for the race,” said
Campbell. “Liane said this horse will get the distance; that’s why
we came.”
“This horse is really special,” said Davis. “We left a week ago from
Chicago. I wasn’t sure he would even draw into the race based on
earnings. I want to thank Jesse for a great ride, my partner Steve
Lewis, who has been part of our family for 15 years and my husband,
Hershel. That’s his baby; I don’t know whether I could have gotten
him ready without his hard work.”
Davis admitted that his running style can be a tad stressful at
times.
“I call him my heart attack horse, but I told Jesse that when he
hits the go button, help him change leads the do the best you can,”
added Davis.” You never know if speed will hold, but I am so proud
of his effort tonight.”
Defiant Flyer, sent off at 11-1, paid $25.20 to win. Boca Bay ran
second, followed by Sword Trick, Patchwork, Swass Like Me, At Full
Pelt and Runholeinthewind.
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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