It is a dream for breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys to win the richest race of the Sam Houston Race Park Quarter Horse season, the $700,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G2) and tonight, the dream came true for the connections of Britts Special Candy!
The regally bred daughter of All American Futurity champion Jess Good Candy out of the Strawfly Special mare Britts Special Eyes was bred in Oklahoma by H & E Ranch Inc., she began her career at Remington Park for owner Jose Antonio Cano, winning her trial for the Oklahoma Futurity(G2) and finishing second in the final on March 22.
“This filly ran in Oklahoma at the start of the year,” said trainer Patrick Clemons. “She came out of those races well and made her next start in trials for this futurity.”
Britts Special Candy ran on May 24, the second night of the trials, finishing sixth overall and in slower clockings han the other two Clemons trainees, Kas He Tells You and Flawless Grace, but outran each of the qualifiers in the final and became a Grade 2 champion!
Winning rider Nestor Duran had total confidence in his filly, who broke well and covered 350-yards in :17.585 seconds, markedly better than her trial clocking of :18.012 seconds.
“I was in the lead the whole way,” said Duran following the trophy presentation. “Near the wire, I saw the #1 was close, but I knew we had it.”
Duran was referring to Flawless Grace owned by Rolando Resendez, who finished a neck behind under jockey Jorge Garcia. The third Clemons trainee Kas He Tells You, completed the trifecta with Victor Urieta, Jr. in the saddle.
It was the first Sam Houston Futurity victory for Duran, who has qualified many juveniles here in past editions of the championship including last year’s champion, DK Marney Jess, but ended up riding third-place finisher Machiavelli in the final.
Sent off at odds of 5.80-1, Britt’s Special Candy rewarded her supporters with a win payout of $13.60. She earned $280,000 tonight increasing her career bankroll to $363,247.
Fastest qualifier Ocho Rojo ran fourth for owner Florentino Leon, followed by A Maverick, West Texas Royalty, Run on Monday, Kas Hes Ec, Cm Heavenly Cowboy and Tyrannical.
The distinguished list of past Sam Houston Futurity winners include 2014 AQHA Champion 2-year-old colt, Kiss My Hocks; Azoom;Snowy Alibi, Ivan James, Especially Tres and Trump My Record.
Gainz Triumphs in the $77,000 Sam Houston Juvenile
The $77,000 Sam Houston Juvenile Stakes was also contested on the stakes-filled evening. Open to Quarter Horses that ran in trials for the Sam Houston Futurity, but missed the cut-off time of :18.139 seconds, only six runners were entered in the 350-yard consolation with Gainz surging with authority in :17.698 under Jorge Garcia for owners Triple Five.
It was a maiden-breaking effort for the son of Tempting Dash out of the One Famous Eagle mare One Famous Flirt, bred in Texas by Terrazas Family. This was the fourth start for the sorrel gelding who began his career at Louisiana Downs.
“For a young horse, he ran a very good race,” said trainer Oscar Constancio, Jr.
The owners, Triple Five, who campaigned Gotagogh in the 2023 Sam Houston Futurity, were thrilled with the victory by Gainz.
“We were not surprised that he won tonight” said Eduardo Leon on behalf of the group. “We are not sure what where he will run next, but hopefully the Champion of Champions someday!”
Relentless Dasher completed the exacta under rider Victor Urieta, Jr, with Political Kas Gl, El Rayo J, Apollitically Cool and Skrill completing the order of finish.
