HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 16, 2016—Under a strong drive by jockey Manuel Gutierrez, Imaflashinthechicks impressively defeated Runaway Pecosa by 2 ¾ lengths in the $19,000 Colors of Texas Paint Maturity(G2) at Sam Houston Race Park Saturday night. Cat Scratch Dash finished a neck back in third.

Sam Houston Race Park also hosted the Grade 2 $107,730 Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship Saturday night (click here for related story).

It was the first start for 5-year-old Imaflashinthechicks since winning last year's edition of the Colors of Texas Paint Maturity(G2) at Sam Houston on April 18, 2015.

Saddled by trainer Esteban Rubio, Imaflashinthechicks covered the 350 yards in :17.812 seconds, a 91-speed index with a 20 mph crosswind. It was the eighth win in 18 starts for the 5-year-old son of SF Royal Quick Flash. The $11,210 Colors of Texas winner's purse boosted his career total to just under $175,000.

Shirley Wheeler bred the sorrel gelding in Oklahoma from the Game Patriot (QH) mare Game Chicken.

Racing for owner/breeder Ramon Escamilla and Jorge Mendoza, Runaway Pecosa earned $3,230 for her second place effort. Mendoza also trains the 4-year-old Mr Streakaway (QH) filly out of La Pecosa, by Judys Lineage. Alejando Medina was aboard the filly.

Cat Scratch Dash, a County Quick Dash colt out of Cat Scratch Fefurr (QH) by Apollo (TB), races for owner Martha Nevarez and trainer Alvin Francis, Jr. Pedro Espinosa was up to earn $1,900.

Camo Cowgirl, D D Phemister, Jay Eff Kay, Full Of Marbles an Caleb Reed completed the field.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level presented by Draft Kings, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.