RICHARD KING TURF
Trainer Mindy Willis has won the Richard King Turf Stakes in 2 of the last 3 years, scoring in 2023 With Sunlit Song and 2025 with Regal Terka.
In last month’s re-scheduled Sunlit Song Turf Stakes, Willis went 1-3 with John Rigney and Steve Bragg’s Colonel Yorke passing the winning post in front by a length and John Wilke’s Regal Terka checking in third.  The former had a beautiful trip stalking behind runaway leader Mor Victory before collaring that rival in mid-stretch. 
Colonel Yorke has now won two stakes races in his last four starts and is an impressive 3-4 lifetime over the Connally Turf Course at SHRP.  He is the 8/5 morning line favorite.  Regal Terka had a brief bit of traffic in the Sunlit Song Turf, but Willis is dubious he could have beaten his stablemate.
“Regal Terka did have to hesitate a bit at the quarter pole and probably could have been second,” she said. “He’s coming into this race well and it’ll boil down to trip.”
The main rival for the Willis pair should be Sunlit Song Turf runner-up Mor Victory. He set a fast pace and opened up a clear advantage on the backstretch of that event before grudgingly giving way in the last furlong.  He will have to negotiate 9 furlongs today in what will be his second straight start in this race.  The son of Mor Spirit starts for Norman Stables and will have Lane Luzzi aboard once again this afternoon.  He was made the 5/2 second choice on the morning line.
“The 9 furlongs is better for him with his high cruising speed,” Trainer Jayde Gelner said. “If he can rate a little bit more on the lead it will help because he is a free-wheeling horse that likes to be out there.”
Gelner will also start Proven Advocate, a winner of an allowance race in January that served as a prep for the Sunlit Song Turf.  In it, he was able to save ground and produce a furious late run up the inside.  Gelner noted that is his preferred trip.
“He had a great trip (in January) and is at his best when he’s covered up inside horses,” he said.  “Last time he got a little lost when they sprinted away from him at the 5/16 but he’ll like the 9 furlong trip Saturday.”
Proven Advocate is cross-entered in the Star of Texas but will start in the Richard King.  Silver Assassin, King Arthur Ridge, North of Bali and Vino Texas Jess 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