Defending champion takes on 2025 Bara Lass winner on Texas Champions Day
March 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
Defending champion takes on 2025 Bara Lass winner on Texas Champions Day
Defending champion takes on 2025 Bara Lass winner on Texas Champions Day
A matchup of two Texas-bred distaffers with dichotomous running styles highlights the Yellow Rose Stakes presented by Penn Women and Miss Texas on Saturday, March 21 at Sam Houston Race Park. The slight 7/5 morning line favorite is defending champion Too Much Kiki for Mansfield Racing. The strapping mare by Too Much Bling was 4th most recently in the Grade III Houston Ladies Classic and now returns to sprinting for trainer Bret Calhoun. She is a perfect 5-5 around one turn in her career at Sam Houston Race Park but also drew the inside post in the field of eight.
“I don’t like the 1 hole based on her gate issues,” Calhoun said. “She’s probably never going to be a good gate horse, but if she gets away cleanly she’ll stay close enough.”
Too Much Kiki has long been at her best in Houston, something Calhoun commented on prior to the Houston Ladies Classic. She has remained at his local stable since that tilt and showed her versatility in the fourth-place effort.
Veteran trainer Tom Amoss, who announced on March 16 that he will retire on April 1, will send 2025 Bara Lass winner Modo back for her 2nd career start at Sam Houston Race Park. She races for Joel Politi and seeks her first stakes score since the Bara Lass tally 14 months ago. The speedy daughter of Liam’s Map should find her way to the early lead and has looked impressive in recent training.
“There’s no secret sauce for us, Modo wants to be in front and would like to control things on the front end,” Amoss said. “Our plan is to go from the start and we’ll try to get enough cushion to hold off Too Much Kiki. We know she’ll be running at us late.”
Calhoun has won 3 of the last 4 editions of the Star of Texas and 2 of the 3 runnings of the TTA Derby. Texas Champions Day is an annual highlight for his operation in the Lone Star State.
“Texas Champions Day is a big deal for owners, trainers, jockeys and an opportunity for TX breds to run for a lot of money,” he said. “The fields are competitive and seeing some age to them is a good thing as they come back year-in and year-out and perform at a high level.”
Ooh La Da Stoops, Blushing Belle, Successfulpath, Glee, Naval Woman and Reclusive complete the field.
The Yellow Rose will be run as the 10th race on a 12-race program that begins at 1:00 PM. Post time is 5:03 PM CDT.
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.
“I don’t like the 1 hole based on her gate issues,” Calhoun said. “She’s probably never going to be a good gate horse, but if she gets away cleanly she’ll stay close enough.”
Too Much Kiki has long been at her best in Houston, something Calhoun commented on prior to the Houston Ladies Classic. She has remained at his local stable since that tilt and showed her versatility in the fourth-place effort.
Veteran trainer Tom Amoss, who announced on March 16 that he will retire on April 1, will send 2025 Bara Lass winner Modo back for her 2nd career start at Sam Houston Race Park. She races for Joel Politi and seeks her first stakes score since the Bara Lass tally 14 months ago. The speedy daughter of Liam’s Map should find her way to the early lead and has looked impressive in recent training.
“There’s no secret sauce for us, Modo wants to be in front and would like to control things on the front end,” Amoss said. “Our plan is to go from the start and we’ll try to get enough cushion to hold off Too Much Kiki. We know she’ll be running at us late.”
Calhoun has won 3 of the last 4 editions of the Star of Texas and 2 of the 3 runnings of the TTA Derby. Texas Champions Day is an annual highlight for his operation in the Lone Star State.
“Texas Champions Day is a big deal for owners, trainers, jockeys and an opportunity for TX breds to run for a lot of money,” he said. “The fields are competitive and seeing some age to them is a good thing as they come back year-in and year-out and perform at a high level.”
Ooh La Da Stoops, Blushing Belle, Successfulpath, Glee, Naval Woman and Reclusive complete the field.
The Yellow Rose will be run as the 10th race on a 12-race program that begins at 1:00 PM. Post time is 5:03 PM CDT.
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.