Apollitical Ike, under jockey Javier Hernandez., won the Grade 2 $75,000 Sam Houston Classic Stakes Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

HOUSTON, TX – MAY 17, 2025–Apollitical Ike surged to a swift lead and managed to fend off a strong late challenge from multiple stakes winner Tha Duke to clinch victory in the Grade 2 $75,000 Sam Houston Classic Stakes.

The exciting race took place Saturday afternoon at Sam Houston Race Park, with Apollitical Ike winning by a neck.

This was only Apollitical Ike's second start of the season. He entered today off a third-place effort in the $50,000 Bob Moore Stakes (G2) at Remington Park on April 19. He had wrapped up last year's racing season with three consecutive victories, including triumphing in the EVD Derby at Evangeline.

Ridden by Javier Hernandez, the 4-year-old son of the champion sire Apollitical Blood completed the 440-yard race in 21.961 seconds. Despite a bit of a rough start, he crossed the wire first, achieving a speed index of 95 with an eight mph headwind.

"He stumbled a bit, but got clear and got it done,” said Hernandez.

This win marked the seventh career victory for the horse, who is trained by Victor Oviedo, from 17 total races. The $45,000 winner's share increased his lifetime earnings to $156,547.

Trainer Victor Oviedo was confident that Apollitical Ike would deliver a good performance.

“He matured a lot last year,” he explained . “As a 4-year-old, he became a racehorse!”

The winning connections of Apollitical Ike accept the Sam Houston Classic Stakes trophy on Saturday.
© Jack Coady Photography

Apollitical Ike is owned by Edgar R. Moreno and is out of Eye This Candy, sired by Pyc Paint Your Wagon. He was bred by Mike and Leslie Turner.

In second place, Tha Duke, another multiple graded stakes winner, earned $15,000 under jockey Noe Castaneda. Trained by Leonel Hernandez, the Rc Me Leaving You gelding is owned by Ashton Elder and Miguel Romero Jr. The Louisiana homebred, whose dam is the Jess Louisiana Blue mare Precious Perry Girl, has accumulated $506,548 in earnings.

Rounding out the top three, three-time stakes winner Hes A Jet One finished a half-length behind the leaders, earning $8,250 for his effort. Trained by John Stinebaugh and ridden by jockey Ali Rivera, the son of champion Ec Jet One is owned and bred by Pete Scarmardo. Out of the mare Shez Dead Serious, a daughter of Swingin Jess, Hes A Jet One has total earnings of $274,007.

The race featured a competitive field, including Pk Pure Rogue, Believe In Perry, Onthrocks, Leavinematthebar, Gbh Fiscal Toni, Dm Moonpie, and Tyger King.

Additional Reporting by Martha Claussen

About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston, is the region's leading racing and entertainment venue. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the facility opened in 1994 and provides a wide range of attractions for businesses, families, and group outings throughout the racing season and off-season. Known for its award-winning dining options, the park features multiple settings for fans ranging from casual to upscale dining, including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites, and Pavilion Centre. For details on upcoming live racing, concerts, and events, visit www.shrp.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

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