HOUSTON, TX- Sam Houston Race Park hosted Texas Preview Day on Saturday, February 15 and is often the case this time of year in Houston, heavy rain and early morning thunderstorms forced officials to run both turf stakes on the main track.  Gold Pilot dominated his rivals in the Houston Turf  and  Optimistic Cowgirl delivered a standout performance in the Miss Bluebonnet Turf.
 
Gold Pilot Left No Doubt as the Winner of the $81,500 Houston Turf Stakes 
The $75,000 Houston Turf Stakes, originally carded to run at a mile and one sixteenth on the Connally Turf Course was shifted to the main track with the scratch of morning line favorite Sunlit Song as well as Mor Victory and Supersecretweapon. 
 
When the field of five entered the starting gate, the heavy favoritism went to Gold Pilot and the 8-year-old veteran delivered a workmanlike effort under rider Jose Alvarez. Unhurried out of the gate, he picked off rivals at the 5/8th pole and drew clear by four lengths in 1:46.35 over the main track, listed as good.
 
“He broke a little slow, but that didn’t worry me,” said Alvarez. “This is the seventh time I’ve ridden him, and he always tries hard.”
 
His main track prowess at Sam Houston Race Park improved to seven wins from 12 starts for prominent Texas owners Wayne Sanders and Larry Hirsch. The son of My Golden Song out of the Early Flyer Mare Formal Flyer was bred by Texans Ronald Ellerbee & Margaret Ellerbee and commanded attention as early as 2022 when he captured Jim’s Orbit at Sam Houston Race Park. 
 
“He’s such a cool horse,” stated trainer Bret Calhoun, who watched the race from Fair Grounds, and left the saddling duties to his assistant “Pancho” Zamudio. “Chronic foot issues have impacted his schedule, and he missed some training due to the weather, but he always steps up. Granted, he is not a turf horse, but he won this on pure talent and courage!”
 
Purchased for $15,000 at the 2018 TTA Yearling and Mixed Sale,  Gold Pilot ($3.40) has banked $465,466 in 30 career efforts at Sam Houston, Lone Star Park and Remington Park.  Calhoun has Gold Pilot in consideration for a return on Texas Champions Day, most likely in the one-mile Star of Texas Stakes.
 
Stans Home Run rallied for second for trainer Karen Jacks and rider Floyd Wethey, Jr., followed by Silence d’Oro, trained by Mindy Willis, Bobby Brinkley and Proven Advocate.

Optimistic Cowgirl Overcame a Troubled Trip to Capture the $85,500 Miss Bluebonnet Turf  

The final stakes of the Houston Preview Day card, the $85,500 Miss Bluebonnet Turf, was also taken off the turf, but a field of nine Texas-bred fillies and mares opted to run on the main track. They closed out the card with in a very exciting manner!
 
The anticipated rematch between accomplished past winners and half-sisters Imaluckycharm and No Mas Tequila did not come to fruition, but a new star, Carol Mays’ Optimistic Cowgirl, made quite an impression in the off the turf feature! 
 
The 6-year-old daughter of Optimizer, out of Dynamic Cowgirl was bred by Richard A. Mays, DVM, and made her debut here at Sam Houston Race Park on January 29, 2022. In 18 previous starts, the bay mare had shown versatility on both the main track and turf course, so her connections opted to run her in the Miss Bluebonnet Turf. Their decision resulted in the first stakes score and an emotional victory as Dr. Mays passed away last month.
 
Credit goes to jockey Elvin Gonzalez who had to navigate quite a trip for Optimistic Cowgirl, who sat off the early pacesetters as they covered the first quarter in :23.52 and the half-mile in :48.06 seconds. She was boxed in at the top of the final turn but shook clear and engaged in spirited duel with Sky Rocker, crossing the wire on the mile and one-sixteenth race in 1.39.41.
 
Trainer Eduardo Cruz was proud of her effort as he spoke with Trey Stiles in the winner’s circle.
 
“The first time I ran her on the dirt she ran second,” Cruz explained. “The owner wanted to try her on the turf, but when we were rained off the turf, we kept her in the race. She ran a wonderful race with a great ride by Elvin. This is for Richard Mays!”  
 
Star Bright Thoroughbreds homebred Sky Rocker, winner of her last two turf races, finished second under jockey David Cabrera, followed by L and G Racing Stables’ Blue Heavenly and Take My Picture. Imaluckycharm  and Wilburnsclassylady were early scratches.

Sam Houston Race Park Open for Simulcasting on Monday, February 17
Sam Houston Race Park will be open for President’s Day simulcasting on Monday, February 17, beginning at 10:30 am. Live racing returns on Friday, February 21 at 6:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday, with a 1:00 pm first post. The 2025 Sam Houston Race Park Thoroughbred meet will wrap on Sunday, April 6.
 
Texas Champions Day Set for Saturday, March 22
Sam Houston Race Park will host Texas Champions Day on Saturday, March 22 at 1:00 pm with the following stakes on the program:
 
$100,000 TTA Derby                                     3yo C&G- 1 Mile and 70 yards
$100,000 TTA Oaks                                       3yo F- 1 Mile and 70 yards
$75,000 Richard King                                    4yo &up- 1 1/8 Mile (T) 
$75,000 San Jacinto                                        4yo &up F&M- 1 1/16 Mile (T) 
$75,000 Spirit of Texas                                  4yo &up- 6 Furlongs 
$75,000 Yellow Rose Stakes                          4yo &up F&M- 6 furlongs 
$75,000 Star of Texas                                     4yo &up- 1 Mile

About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, concerts and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.

 
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Photos:  Jack Coady Photography