Just A Perfect Grace, under jockey Froylan Ramirez, winning the 54,000 Miss Sam Houston Stakes on Saturday night at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 18, 2022–Just A Perfect Grace drew away from the field late to get her first career stakes win in the $54,000 Miss Sam Houston Stakes on Saturday night at Sam Houston Race Park.

Under jockey Froylan Ramirez, Just A Perfect Grace covered the 330 yards in :17.028 seconds, a 91 speed index into an 8 mph headwind. It was the third career win in nine starts for the daughter of multiple stakes sire Ja Jess Perfect.

Manuel Flores trains the 3-year-old filly for owner-breeder Shirley Flores. Just A Perfect Grace entered the Miss Sam Houston off an eighth-place finish against a tough Sam Houston Derby(G3) field on May 20th.  The $32,400 Miss Sam Houston winner's purse boosted the sorrel filly's earnings total to $86,682.

"The jockey did a real good job," said Flores. "She stumbled, but recovered and it was an excellent race, she loves this track and we are happy she is a stakes winner.  She has a big heart!"

The winning connections of Just A Perfect Grace accept the Miss Sam Houston Stakes trophy at Sam Houston Race Park. © Coady Photography

Jus A Perfect Grace is out of Selma Stakes winner Bz Amazin Grace by Tinys First Corona.

Heavy post-time favorite Leading Senorita was gaining late, under jockey Nestor Duran, to finish second. Ricardo Aguirre trains The Louisiana Cartel mare for owner Esmael Garcia. The multiple stakes-placed 6-year-old was making her first start this season. Third in the Miss Sam Houston last year, she has earned $51,755. Jesus Garcia bred Leading Senorita from the Lead The Field mare Leading Princess.

Jorge Haddad's homebred La Inseparable finished one-length back to earn $5,940 for third. Ali Rivera had the riding call for the Haddad trainee out of Cindys First Cd by Corona Cartel. She has earned $58,424 in seven career starts.

Best Moonflash, Pronto Alexa, Kiss My Cowgirl, A Fast Ribbon and Class With Flash completed the field.

Additional Sam Houston Race Park reporting tonight courtesy Martha Claussen.

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About Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston.  Owned by Penn National Gaming. Inc., the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions including a Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming live racing, shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.