Preview Racing


Eysa Jess Jumpn Leads Field in $167,500 Sam Houston Derby (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park Friday
Multiple grade winner Eysa Jess Jumpn, under jockey Guadalupe Lucio, Jr., posting the fastest time in the April 12 Sam Houston Derby (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Phtography
Eysa Jess Jumpn Leads Field in $167,500 Sam Houston Derby (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park Friday

HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 29, 2019—Seven trials for the $167,500 Sam Houston Derby (G3) were contested on Friday, April 12 and a very talented group of 3-year-olds will compete in Friday's 350 yard final.

The 6-5 morning line favorite is Eysa Jess Jumpn, owned by Jose Estrada Quarter Horses and conditioned by 26-year-old Josue Huitron. The talented filly drew off by 2-½ lengths as she won her 350 yard trial in :17.518 seconds.

Rider Guadalupe Lucio, Jr. guided the daughter of Heza Fast Dash out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Jumpn, who earned a 97 speed index. Bred in Louisiana by Spring Hill Farms & Sherry Dunn, Eysa Jess Jumpn was a $11,500 purchase at the 2016 LQHBA Yearling Sale and has won seven of her 10 starts, with earnings of $442,870. She drew the rail for the final.

"We have her at Delta Downs and will van her over on Friday," said Huitron. "I'm fine with her post; she broke from the rail in the trials for the LQHBA Louisiana Million. This filly runs from anywhere she draws."

Another Louisiana-bred invader Zoomin Patriot posted a 1-½ length win under jockey Ricardo Garza-Cruz in the fifth trial, setting the second fastest time of :17.630 seconds.

The son of Jet Black Patriot was the first of three Sam Houston Derby qualifiers who will run for trainer Rolando Almanza. Racing for owner Claudia Avila, the black gelding won the 2018 Dash For Cash Juvenile at Lone Star Park.

Dash for Cash Futurity champion Paint Me a Sinner, a daughter of Pyc Paint Your Wagon is also owned by Avila and ridden by Ricardo Garza-Cruz. Mr Corona Crystal, a colt by Mr Jess Perry, owned by Hector Reza, completes the trio.

2018 leading Sam Houston Race Park trainer Leon Bard qualified LJ Moonrise, a filly by Separatist for owners P and J Racing Ltd. Bard's first call rider Francisco Calderon was aboard for her win in the ninth race, where she set the third-fastest time of :17.649.

The field for the Sam Houston Derby in post position order, with jockeys and odds:

  1. Eysa Jess Jumpn; Guadalupe Lucio, Jr., 6-5
  2. Makelogangreatagain; Nestor Duran, 20-1
  3. All Sophia Wanted; Jose Montoya, 12-1
  4. Jess Master Angel; Luis Vivanco, 12-1
  5. Triple Vodka Blu Byu; Esgar Ramirez, 10-1
  6. Paint Me A Sinner; Ricardo Garza-Cruz, 5-1
  7. Mr Corona Crystal; Manuel Gutierrez, 15-1
  8. Zoomin Patriot; Ricky Ramirez, 8-1
  9. LJ Moonrise; Francisco Calderon, 6-1
  10. Runnin For Corona; Victor Urieta, Jr, 15-1

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

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the race track and accommodating groups from 20 to 300 people, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner's Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit shrp.com.