Modo speeds to early lead, wins decisively in Yellow Rose presented by PENN Women
March 22, 2026
March 22, 2026
Press release
MODO SPEEDS TO EARLY LEAD, WINS DECISIVELY IN YELLOW ROSE PRESENTED BY PENN WOMEN
Modo opened up a sizable early lead under Lane Luzzi in the Yellow Rose Stakes presented by PENN Women at Sam Houston Race Park and never looked back, scoring her second local stakes win in as many tries by 4 and ¾ lengths. The daughter of Liam’s Map sprinted clear after an opening quarter-mile in :21.78 and still led by two lengths after a half-mile in a blistering :44.49. Despite race favorite Too Much Kiki mounting a wide bid from off the pace, Modo was never threatened. The 4 year-old races for owner Joel Politi and trainer Tom Amoss. The Yellow Rose was Luzzi’s first time aboard Modo.
“I spoke to Mr. Amoss and he gave me good info on her,” Luzzi said. “I thought we were the speed of the speed if we could get out of the gate. From there it was a comfy trip.”
This was Modo’s first trip to Texas since a win in the Bara Lass in January 2025. She had gone 1-6 since then, failing in her lone stakes try at Oaklawn Park, but is now 2-2 against Texas-bred competition.
The win came days after Amoss announced that he’d be retiring as the trainer of record of his stable effective April 1. His assistant, Kinnon LaRose will take over as trainer with Amoss serving in a consultative role. Amoss has long supported Sam Houston racing, as he had a local division in the track’s inaugural season in 1994. He won the first running of the Connally Turf Cup in 1995 with Marastani and has regularly participated in local stakes race since. Luzzi was effusive in his praise of Amoss as a person who he said had long given him opportunities.
“Tom is a real legend in the game,” Luzzi said. “And he’s also a good person on and off the racetrack. I’m thankful for the opportunities he gave me.”
Modo’s career earnings are now just over $250,000. Her final time was nearly ⅘ of a second faster than the Spirit of Texas run at the same 6 furlong distance earlier in the card. She paid $5.00 to win as the second choice in the field of eight.
Race favorite Too Much Kiki rallied to be second and suffered her first defeat around one turn at Sam Houston Race Park. On a surface where ground-saving runners dominated, she had virtually no chance of running down the speedy Modo.
Naval Woman, Reclusive, Glee, Successfulpath, Blushing Belle and Ooh La Da Stoops 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.
“I spoke to Mr. Amoss and he gave me good info on her,” Luzzi said. “I thought we were the speed of the speed if we could get out of the gate. From there it was a comfy trip.”
This was Modo’s first trip to Texas since a win in the Bara Lass in January 2025. She had gone 1-6 since then, failing in her lone stakes try at Oaklawn Park, but is now 2-2 against Texas-bred competition.
The win came days after Amoss announced that he’d be retiring as the trainer of record of his stable effective April 1. His assistant, Kinnon LaRose will take over as trainer with Amoss serving in a consultative role. Amoss has long supported Sam Houston racing, as he had a local division in the track’s inaugural season in 1994. He won the first running of the Connally Turf Cup in 1995 with Marastani and has regularly participated in local stakes race since. Luzzi was effusive in his praise of Amoss as a person who he said had long given him opportunities.
“Tom is a real legend in the game,” Luzzi said. “And he’s also a good person on and off the racetrack. I’m thankful for the opportunities he gave me.”
Modo’s career earnings are now just over $250,000. Her final time was nearly ⅘ of a second faster than the Spirit of Texas run at the same 6 furlong distance earlier in the card. She paid $5.00 to win as the second choice in the field of eight.
Race favorite Too Much Kiki rallied to be second and suffered her first defeat around one turn at Sam Houston Race Park. On a surface where ground-saving runners dominated, she had virtually no chance of running down the speedy Modo.
Naval Woman, Reclusive, Glee, Successfulpath, Blushing Belle and Ooh La Da Stoops 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.