FRANTIC FINISH FROM HARVEY'S FINNISH TO WIN TWO ALTAZANO
FEBRUARY 15, 2026
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FEBRUARY 15, 2026 PRESS RELEASE
FRANTIC FINISH FROM HARVEY'S FINNISH TO WIN TWO ALTAZANO
Harvey’s Finnish put in a strong late kick to win the Two Altazano Stakes, part of the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series, and became a dual stakes winner at the Sam Houston Race Park meet in the process. Dispatched at 2-1 in the field of five, the daughter of Harvey Wallbager lagged behind the frontrunners early, but enjoyed a strong pace to run at late. The opening half-mile went in a spritely :45.49 and set things up beautifully for the late running filly.
Jockey Weston Hamilton saved ground around the far turn before angling her out in upper stretch. By that point, Whisperin Liz had survived the early pace battle and wrested command. Once shown open racetrack, Harvey’s Finnish gradually wore her down for the victory.
“She is such a hard-trying filly and my goal was to ride with fundamentals, saving ground before making that final move,” Hamilton said.
Trainer Danny Pish conditions the filly for Gee Family Racing, LLC, who owns stallion Harvey Wallbanger and is the breeder of Harvey’s Finnish. The win was Pish’s 3rd stakes score of the meet.
“You never take things for granted, sometimes when they’re on the lead they don’t finish,” Pish said. “But she had the kick today.”
Owner Steve Gee spelled out his strategy in a post-race interview with Sam Houston's Aidan Molinaro, stating that he had told Pish he is committed to Texas racing and breeding within his home state.
“This is a home-grown, home stallion, home-raised, so we’re really, really excited,” Gee said.
Texas Speed Queen, Kiss My Dice and My Conquest completed the field.
Jockey Weston Hamilton saved ground around the far turn before angling her out in upper stretch. By that point, Whisperin Liz had survived the early pace battle and wrested command. Once shown open racetrack, Harvey’s Finnish gradually wore her down for the victory.
“She is such a hard-trying filly and my goal was to ride with fundamentals, saving ground before making that final move,” Hamilton said.
Trainer Danny Pish conditions the filly for Gee Family Racing, LLC, who owns stallion Harvey Wallbanger and is the breeder of Harvey’s Finnish. The win was Pish’s 3rd stakes score of the meet.
“You never take things for granted, sometimes when they’re on the lead they don’t finish,” Pish said. “But she had the kick today.”
Owner Steve Gee spelled out his strategy in a post-race interview with Sam Houston's Aidan Molinaro, stating that he had told Pish he is committed to Texas racing and breeding within his home state.
“This is a home-grown, home stallion, home-raised, so we’re really, really excited,” Gee said.
Texas Speed Queen, Kiss My Dice and My Conquest completed the field.
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.