Thebabeslayer returns to Texas to romp in Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby
March 22, 2026
march 22, 2026
press release
THEBABESLAYER RETURNS TO TEXAS TO ROMP IN TEXAS THOROUGHBRED ASSOCIATION DERBY
Thebabeslayer stalked the pace in the Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby before angling out to target the pacesetter, It’s All Right. He blew by that rival at the furlong grounds and pulled clear late to win by 5 and a half lengths in a final time of 1:42.05 for the one mile and seventy yards.
A son of Collected owned by Bradley Kent and Ken Reimer, the Steve Asmussen trainee was purchased for $100,000 at the TTA Yearling Sale in 2024. He had made six of nine prior starts on turf for his Hall of Fame trainer, but put forth his best dirt effort to date in his last start, the Louisiana Stallion of the Year Star Guitar Stakes at Fair Grounds. His career earnings are now in excess of $160,000 and he paid $5.60 to win.
Elliott was able to maneuver Thebabeslayer to the rail early in the TTA Derby, and he saved ground through an opening half-mile set by It’s All Right in :48.97. Elliott asked him to run on the far turn, and he advanced towards the pacesetter in the vicinity of the quarter-pole. He assumed command with over a furlong to go and went clear with authority.
“I was pretty confident I had some horse when we turned for home,” Elliott said. “He had gotten good position early, laying second and finished up running.”
It’s All Right, the 2025 TTA Sale Futurity winner, was bet down to 3-2 favoritism and wound up second after being vanquished in the final furlong. He has now dropped three straight since winning the Bison Strides Mile at Prairie Meadows last summer.
Look No Mo rallied to finish third at 13-1, just in front of Jim’s Orbit winner Shop Time. Big Time Charlie, who had won the Groovy in January, had a hard time on the first turn and wound up hopelessly wide before tiring to finish fifth. He suffered his first defeat in the TTA Derby.
Friday Night Fever, Cody the Kid and Slamin Sammie 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.
A son of Collected owned by Bradley Kent and Ken Reimer, the Steve Asmussen trainee was purchased for $100,000 at the TTA Yearling Sale in 2024. He had made six of nine prior starts on turf for his Hall of Fame trainer, but put forth his best dirt effort to date in his last start, the Louisiana Stallion of the Year Star Guitar Stakes at Fair Grounds. His career earnings are now in excess of $160,000 and he paid $5.60 to win.
Elliott was able to maneuver Thebabeslayer to the rail early in the TTA Derby, and he saved ground through an opening half-mile set by It’s All Right in :48.97. Elliott asked him to run on the far turn, and he advanced towards the pacesetter in the vicinity of the quarter-pole. He assumed command with over a furlong to go and went clear with authority.
“I was pretty confident I had some horse when we turned for home,” Elliott said. “He had gotten good position early, laying second and finished up running.”
It’s All Right, the 2025 TTA Sale Futurity winner, was bet down to 3-2 favoritism and wound up second after being vanquished in the final furlong. He has now dropped three straight since winning the Bison Strides Mile at Prairie Meadows last summer.
Look No Mo rallied to finish third at 13-1, just in front of Jim’s Orbit winner Shop Time. Big Time Charlie, who had won the Groovy in January, had a hard time on the first turn and wound up hopelessly wide before tiring to finish fifth. He suffered his first defeat in the TTA Derby.
Friday Night Fever, Cody the Kid and Slamin Sammie 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.