Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby, Oaks showcase sales grads
March 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby, Oaks showcase sales grads
Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby, Oaks showcase sales grads
The 4th running of the Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby on Texas Champions Day will be Race 11 on a 12-race card. Among the headliners are the 1-2 finishers from January’s Groovy Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. The winner that afternoon, Big Time Charlie, for Diamond W Racing and James Sils, is the 6/5 morning line favorite. Trainer Karen Jacks will start the son of Cinco Charlie around two turns for the first time.
“It would have been ideal to get a 2 turn race for him (Big Time Charlie) between the Groovy and the Derby, but that didn’t materialize,” Jacks said. “I am confident that he will do whatever is asked of him and the distance is not a concern.
While Big Time Charlie has been inactive, It’s All Right has made one start at Oaklawn against open company in late February. That son of Cairo Prince, who races for H. Ray Ashford, Jr. and owner Ron Stolich, won the TTA Futurity in 2025 before scoring another stakes win in the Bison Strides Mile at Prairie Meadows.
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who is in his customary spot atop the SHRP standings amongst owners and trainers, will start Thebabeslayer for Kent Bradley and Ken Reimer. Stewart Elliott has the call aboard the 9/2 third choice.
Friday Night Fever, Slamin Sammie, Cody the Kid, Shop Time and Look No Mo complete the field. Post time is 5:30 PM CDT.
TTA OAKS
In the fourth running of the Texas Thoroughbred Association Oaks, trainer Austin Gustafson holds a very strong hand with 8/5 morning line favorite Tiz a Ten I See and 2025 TTA Sales Futurity winner Lanaluah, who was installed at 8-1.
“Both are coming into the race very well,” Gustafson said. “Tiz A Ten I See has really developed this winter and Lanaluah likely needed her last race.”
Trainer JR Caldwell will saddle Kiss My Dice for Indigo Racing, who avenged a tough trip in the Two Altazano with an impressive open company allowance win last time out. She is 3-1 on the morning line.
Jayde Gelner will have two chances in the TTA Oaks, the maiden Shinovar for Naukabena Farms, who was a competitive second last time out at Delta Downs, and Liteupthenite, a stakes-winning Louisiana-bred who was second behind Lanaluah in last year’s TTA Sales Futurity.
Mrs Shirley and Tiffany Tap complete the field of seven. The TTA Oaks will be Race 8 with a post time of 4:09 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.
“It would have been ideal to get a 2 turn race for him (Big Time Charlie) between the Groovy and the Derby, but that didn’t materialize,” Jacks said. “I am confident that he will do whatever is asked of him and the distance is not a concern.
While Big Time Charlie has been inactive, It’s All Right has made one start at Oaklawn against open company in late February. That son of Cairo Prince, who races for H. Ray Ashford, Jr. and owner Ron Stolich, won the TTA Futurity in 2025 before scoring another stakes win in the Bison Strides Mile at Prairie Meadows.
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who is in his customary spot atop the SHRP standings amongst owners and trainers, will start Thebabeslayer for Kent Bradley and Ken Reimer. Stewart Elliott has the call aboard the 9/2 third choice.
Friday Night Fever, Slamin Sammie, Cody the Kid, Shop Time and Look No Mo complete the field. Post time is 5:30 PM CDT.
TTA OAKS
In the fourth running of the Texas Thoroughbred Association Oaks, trainer Austin Gustafson holds a very strong hand with 8/5 morning line favorite Tiz a Ten I See and 2025 TTA Sales Futurity winner Lanaluah, who was installed at 8-1.
“Both are coming into the race very well,” Gustafson said. “Tiz A Ten I See has really developed this winter and Lanaluah likely needed her last race.”
Trainer JR Caldwell will saddle Kiss My Dice for Indigo Racing, who avenged a tough trip in the Two Altazano with an impressive open company allowance win last time out. She is 3-1 on the morning line.
Jayde Gelner will have two chances in the TTA Oaks, the maiden Shinovar for Naukabena Farms, who was a competitive second last time out at Delta Downs, and Liteupthenite, a stakes-winning Louisiana-bred who was second behind Lanaluah in last year’s TTA Sales Futurity.
Mrs Shirley and Tiffany Tap complete the field of seven. The TTA Oaks will be Race 8 with a post time of 4:09 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.