Racing


Moonin The Eagle Dominates in the $203,300 Sam Houston Derby (G3)
One Famous Eagle powering to nearly a three length victory in the Sam Houston Derby(G3) on Saturday night.

© Jack Coady / Coady Photography
Moonin The Eagle Dominates in the $203,300 Sam Houston Derby (G3)

HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 25 2015— Seven trials were run on April 3 for the $203,300 Sam Houston Derby (G3). The-final trial produced the fastest time of the evening with a sharp effort from Moonin The Eagle, who cleared his rivals by three lengths, covering 350 yards in :17.310, just off the track record of :17.238.

The striking gray son of One Famous Eagle returned in fine form this evening under Esgar Ramirez, powering to victory in :17.306, almost three lengths ahead of runner-up Volcoms Thunder. He earned a 104 speed index this evening.

“He’s just an amazing horse,” said Ramirez. “He is so professional; just waits for the gate to open and does it so easily.”

Moonin The Eagle, under jockey Esgar Ramirez, wins the Sam Houston Derby(G3) on Saturday night.
© Roz Yoakum / Coady Photography
This was the fourth consecutive win for the colt, who shipped to Houston off a successful meet at Hialeah Park, highlighted by a victory in the South Florida Derby on March 1. He is owned by Gregario Garcia Garza and was bred in California by the Vessels Stallion Farm LLC. Trainer Rolando Almanza had high praise for his runner.

"I thought he would do well, but he was really good," said Almanza. "Esgar was wonderful and I thank my owners for believing in me and giving me such good horses."

The conditioner was unsure of the next start for Moonin the Eagle, feeling that he deserved a rest following the ambitious campaign at Hialeah and in Houston.

“I have to talk it over with Greg, but I would really like to send him to Ruidoso for the All American Derby,” said Almanza. “That would be a dream come true.”

Volcoms Thunder, the fifth-fastest qualifier in trials, overcame a tough break to finish second, with Glimpse Of Dash, runner-up to Kiss My Hocks in last year's Sam Houston Futurity (G2), running third.

Owned-and-trained by Raul E. Galvan, the Volcom 3-year-old was bred in Texas by P.K. Thomas from the Dean Miracle mare Ill Getcha Good. Ridden by jockey Cipriano Viana, the sorrel gelding earned $32,528 to boost his career total to $40,536.

Homer Garza saddled Glimpse Of Dash for owner Jaime Flores. Raul Ramirez, Jr. had the ridding assignment aboard the multiple graded stakes-placed daughter of Glimpse Of Greatness from the Moon Shine Dash mare, Double Dash Queen. Bred by Muro Valdez, the Texas-bred filly earned $22,623 to bring her total to more than $125,000.

Completing the field were On The Wagon, Deala Ryon, August Rush GI, Jess Toast Winner, Iba Wagon and Kings Game By Yawl. Portenntum was scratched.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 16 recently renovated luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.