Two Darley Stakes Races Begin the Houston Darley Weekend
19 March 2019, USA ~ The Houston, Texas, Darley Award’s weekend kicks off with race night at Sam Houston Race Park, on 22 March 2019, with two races sponsored by Lufthansa Cargo.
Opening racing at 7:18 PM is the Darley Sprint Stakes for $20,000 with nine Arabians in the limelight. Quick Sand AA is looking strong with 6 straight wins in 6 outings (4 Gr 1) for 2018, including the win over Easter Man on 9 November 2018, before finishing third to his stablemate in the 7 furlong HH Sheikh Zayed Cup Gr 1 on 9 March 2019.
Easter Man will be back for the challenge, still savoring his last success two weeks ago over stable rival Quick Sand AA in the HH Sheikh Zayed Cup Gr 1. Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez was the jockey two weeks ago but Carol Cedeno will be in the saddle on Friday while Sasha Risenhoover will ride Quick Sand AA. Both horses are trained by the capable Jerenesto Torrez for owners Joseph and Betty Gillis, and it is a stable mate rivalry to be sure.
Hocus Pocus, trained by Simon Hobson is looking competitive, finishing sixth in the Sh Zayed Gr 1 earlier this month, and Madjestic will be one to watch after four wins at 6 furlongs or less in California under trainer Terri Eaton, and still settling into the Texas tracks with trainer Glen Rottweller.
Also entered:
Fleet De Sand, Lil Dude AA, Uptown WTF, Little Sammy SV, Uptown Cruisedirector.
The Second race
Following will be the Darley Distaff also sponsored by Lufthansa Cargo with $20,000 on the line for the seven furlongs. Attracting 10 starters, Uptown Sandy Girl trained by Glenn Rottweller has the lead by numbers, last finishing second in the Sh Zayed Gr 1 on 9 March 2019. With three wins at Delaware Park in 2018 under trainer Lynn Ashby, the filly has shown she has what it takes.
Dance With Me BW won the 7 furlong Wathba Stallions Cup Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park two weeks ago and now as 3 wins for the last 3 outs. Fortaissa came second in the Wathba Stallions Cup, and also looks good for the distance.
Also entered:
Pams Masquerade, Last Call MHF, WMA Hope, Risky Vaz, Sluffys Gizmo, Uptown Sweet Caroline and Burning Vaz.
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Pamela Burton