The re-scheduled Sunlit Song Turf Stakes will be held Sunday, February 22 at Sam Houston Race Park. It was originally carded as the 12th race on Texas Preview Day but was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Previously known as the Houston Turf Stakes, the race was re-named in honor of the recently retired 2023 Texas Horse of the Year, Sunlit Song. Trainer Mindy Willis will have two chances to win the re-named event, and reported the venerable gelding is currently enjoying life on the farm.

“It is so unbelievable to have the race named for him,” Willis said. “He was the best horse I’ve ever trained and was willing to earn it at every opportunity.”

Willis’s two starters include Colonel Yorke for John Rigney and Steve Bragg, who was made the 2-1 favorite by morning line maker Nick Tammaro, and Regal Terka, the 2025 Richard King Turf Stakes winner for John Wilke, who is the 4-1 third choice.

Colonel Yorke was favored in the early wagering prior to the cancellation and exits a strong second-place finish in late January. Willis found a silver lining in the cancellation, saying that staying in the paddock stall while a thunderstorm lingered over the racetrack may prove advantageous for the son of Excaper.

“He’s always been a handful in the paddock, a lot like Sunlit Song was, often making us saddle him on the walk,” Willis said. “When he spent a bunch of time waiting to go back to the stable last week, he was very comfortable. I’m very confident in him."

Stewart Elliot will be aboard Colonel Yorke.

Regal Terka will be making his third start of the meet and looks to avenge a wide trip 7th place finish. Willis feels as if he’s coming into the race in fine shape and she opted against working him during the week in advance of the re-scheduled start.

“We found some things that were a bit off in his blood work, but nothing serious or problematic that would keep him from running,” she said. “Now he’s looking like his old self and will be ready.”

The second choice on the morning line is Proven Advocate, who won the late January allowance race that served as a prep for this race. He will break from the rail for trainer Jayde Gelner and owner Rene Lavergne. Gelner will also saddle the speedy Mor Victory, who is a stakes winner having taken the Assault at Lone Star Park in 2024. He is 5-1 on the morning line.

Guitar Boy, Just Bernie, Supersecretweapon, North of Bali and Silver Assassin complete 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.