Tempting Alibe, ridden by Luis Vivanco, wins the $50,000 Leon Bard Memorial Stakes by a neck at Sam Houston Race Park on Friday.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–MAY 10, 2024–Tempting Alibi won his first career stakes victory Friday night at Sam Houston Race Track in the $50,000 Leon Bard Memorial Stakes.

Ridden by Houston's leading jockey, Luis Vivanco, Tempting Alibi got upfront at first call and held on to the sway for the victory in :17.595 seconds. The sorrel gelding clocked a 98 speed index, and the slight upset over post-time favorite Gotagogh paid $22.00 to win on 10/1 odds.

The $30,000 winner's share of the purse increased Tempting Alibi's bankroll to $51,781. The 350-yard stakes race was the first out of the season for the son of champion sire Tempting Dash. He has lit the board five of seven starts with three career wins and two seconds.

Trainer Jose Sanchez saddled Tempting Alibi for owner Cruz Nava. Michael Amburn bred The three-year-old gelding in Texas out of the Shazoom mare Tinalicious.

The winning connections of Tempting Alibi accept the $50,000 Leon Bard Memorial Stakes trophy at Sam Houston Race Park on Friday. © Coady Photography

Nava bought Tempting Alibi from his breeder in the 2022 TQHA Yearling sale for $32,500. He said, "I just liked his bloodline and chose to buy him from that."

Cruz Nava says he plans to take Tempting Alibi to Retama Park next and probably Lone Star Park after that.

Fast-charging Gotagogh, piloted by Victor Urieta, Jr., was first out of the gates but got surpassed by Tempting Dash, placing second by a neck. The son of Favorite Cartel has four career wins with $137,872 in the bank. He was a finalist in three graded stakes races from his freshman campaign.

Breeder Bobby D. Cox of Texas sold Gotagogh to his current owner Triple Five for $150,000 in the 2022 TQHA Yearling sale. The three-year-old colt conditioned by Juan Diaz, Jr. is out of Signs Zoomer by Shazoom.

Eliazar Vera was aboard Mp Just Rip It in his bid for third. The son of Mr Piloto has a record of 4-3-4 from 13 starts with $57,073 in earnings at five different tracks, including a win in March at Louisiana Downs.

Bred by Kyle Springer, Mp Just Rip It was sold for $4,500 in the 2022 TQHA Yearling sale to his owner/trainer Manuel Roman. The Texas-bred gelding is out of Hf Just Rip It by First To Shine.

Jmg One Hott Eagle placed fourth and Lefty was fifth. Copper Pipes was scratched.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.
 

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About Sam Houston Race Park
Operated by Penn Entertainment Inc., Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. 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, shows and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tick Tok or YouTube.