HOUSTON, TX—JUNE 10, 2021—Sam Houston Race Park hosted two regional qualifying races for the 2021 Bank of America Racing Challenge Thursday. De Laurentis, was a convincing winner in the $103,598 John Deere Juvenile Challenge and Shezasecretknockout (see related story) was equally impressive in the $60,401 Adequan Sam Houston Derby Challenge.

De Laurentis, the fastest qualifier in trials held here on May 20, did not disappoint as the favorite in the $103,598 John Deere Sam Houston Juvenile Challenge (G3).

Bred by Bobby D. Cox, the undefeated colt is owned by Reynolds Munoz and Heavy Hitters Racing Stables. Leading Sam Houston trainer Juan Diaz, Jr. trains the colt, with regular rider Victor Urieta, Jr. back aboard this evening.

Breaking from the rail, the son of American Runaway out of the Invisible Injun mare Babe on the Beach, took the lead and surged to the wire of the 350-yard final in :18.166 seconds into 10 mph head wind, equaling an 84 speed index. He won by a margin of a neck over Kas Shes Ec, also trained by Diaz.

“We had high expectations of this colt and he did what we knew he could do,” said Diaz.

De Laurentis was a $30,000 TQHA Yearling Sale purchase by owners Reynold Munoz and Heavy Hitters Racing Stables. Marcus Galvan spoke on behalf of the owners.

“My partners and I liked him on paper and even more when we looked at him,” said Galvan. “We pulled the trigger and haven’t looked back. He’s three-for-three and has been professional since day one. We felt we had a superior horse going into this final and he showed it.”

The gray colt made one previous start on March 8 at Remington Park, winning his 300-yard trial for the Oklahoma Futurity (G2). He has earned $72,901 in his three career starts.

Galvan said that DeLaurentis is paid into the TQHA Sale Futurity prior to the $125,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge where he will face regional winners from across the United States, Mexico and Canada. This year’s event returns to the Downs of Albuquerque on October 23.

Runner-up Kas Shes Ec earned $20,720 for the effort. Juan Diaz, Jr. conditions the daughter of second-crop sire EC Jet One for owner-breeder Francisco J. Garza. Jorge Garcia was aboard the Texas-bred filly in her second career start. She is out of the Make It Anywhere mare Beaukas and has earned $29,720 to date.

Hot Dynasty Z, under jockey Claudio Aguilar, earned $10,360 for third. Martin Rodriguez trains the FDD Dynasty gelding for owner Martin Rodriguez, ,Jr. Bred in New Mexico by Slash Z Land & Cattle Hot Dynasty Z has placed in two of three starts and earned $14,260. He is out of the Tres Seis mare Kinda Spicey.

Dm Moonpie, Sign And Shine, Wicked Eagle One, Grandfreighttrain Gl, Hes Jess Dealin, Miss Never To Late and Cj Classy Sassy Chic completed the field.

Racing This Weekend at Sam Houston Race Park

Post time has been moved up to 6:05 pm (CT) for Friday and Saturday’s 12-race cards. The Saturday, June 12th program will feature six stakes races including the $106,000 Texas-Bred Championship and the $81,000 Jesse Yoakum 870 Stakes named in honor of the late Quarter Horse trainer Jesse Yoakum.

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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.