Challenge


Moe Lassus Impresses In Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge Trials at Sam Houston
Moe Lassus, under jockey Noe Villatoro, setting the fastest time for the $18,000-added Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography
Moe Lassus Impresses In Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge Trials at Sam Houston

HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 29, 2016—Ridden by jockey Noe Villatoro, Moe Lassus broke his maiden with an impressive 1¾ length effort the first of two trials Friday for the $18,000-added Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park.

The 3-year-old Favorite Cartel gelding rolled to the top qualifying mark of :17.904 seconds for owner J.J. Racing and leading trainer Judd Kearl. The bay entered the trials off a third place finish in the $25,000 South Florida QH Invitational at Hialeah Park last February.

"He was a June baby," said Kearl. “That's why he was lightly raced. Running against maidens was a little easier than what he faced at Hialeah."

Sunflower Supply Co. Inc. bred Moe Lassus in Missouri from the Heza Fast Man mare This Candys Fast.

Also getting her first win was the lightly raced Mr Jess Perry filly Sixes Sola who went :18.022 in the second trial to get the second fastest time. Jockey Francisco Ramirez, Jr. rode the Mr Jess Perry filly to a 1¼ length win for owner Marshal Watson and trainer Michael Taylor.

Burnett Ranches LLC bred the 3-year-old, who was making only third career start, in Texas from the Walk Thru Fire mare Sixes Sola.

CLICK HERE for the complete list of Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge finalists, their times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys.

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Friday was a busy night for the Kearl barn, as they also ran 2-year-olds in the Lassie Futurity trials at Delta Downs, and qualified Rdd Champagne Dash (see related story). The filly is owned by Angie Cook and Bryon Gardner. Rodrigo Vallejo made the trip to Vinton and will return for the final on May 20.

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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.