Dak (outside), under jockey Luis Vivanco, drives to victory in the $53,500 Sam Houston 550 Stakes Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography

HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 18, 2022 – Despite the 550-yard distance, the $53,500 Sam Houston 550 Stakes came down to a close photo finish among the top three finishers with even-money favorite Dak emerging a neck ahead at the wire.

Dak ($4.00) went off as the even-money post-time favorite in his second start of the year. The final time for the 550-yard stake for Texas-breds was :28.262; Dak earned an 86 speed index and picked up the winner’s share of $32,100 with Luis Vivanco in the irons.

The graded stakes winner is trained by Toby Keeton. Co-owner Stormy Fisher of Blue Star Racing explained the gelding’s recent absence from the track. "He had stifle surgery and has come back really well. Toby and Cindi have done an amazing job with him. One thing about Dak is that you never give up on him. He's not all that good with the break, but that sucker never gives up!”

Dak broke last of seven in Saturday’s stake but closed well to get up for the win.

The winning connections of Dak accept the Sam Houston 550 Stakes trophy Saturday night. © Coady Photography

Keeton added, "The horse is very sound right now; he'll go Retama next."

Now a 6-year-old, Dak has earned $344,107 in 21 career starts with five wins and five second place finishes. He won last year’s edition of this stake; since then, he was the runner up in the TQHA 550 Stakes and the Harris County Stakes, all at Sam Houston.

Dak showed talent early in his career as the winner of the TQHA Sale Futurity (RG3) at Retama in 2018. He finished fourth in the Dash for Cash Derby (G2) at Lone Star and is multiple stakes placed.

The son of Dominyun was bred by Bullard Farms, out of Fleet Elis, by Fishers Dash.

A Fleeting Kiss put her head in front of The Eruption to place second in the stake under jockey Claudio Aguilar for trainer Lewis Tooter Jordan. The 4-year-old Kiss My Hocks filly is owned by Scott Sherwood, Amanda Luke and Jeff Luke.

A Fleeting Kiss made her first appearance in a stakes race on Saturday night and earned $10,700 for her appearance. She is three for 11 lifetime with $59,670 in earnings.

Bullard Farms bred A Fleeting Kiss out of the multiple stakes winning Thoroughbred mare Fleeta Dif, by Hadif.

Third place finisher The Eruption earned his first stakes placing in the 550 after spending much of his career in the claiming and allowance ranks. He had enjoyed a three-race win streak heading into Saturday’s stake, including two wins at Sam Houston.

Victor Urieta, Jr. was up for trainer Juan Diaz, Jr. and owner Carlos Ponce. The 5-year-old gelded son of The Louisiana Cartel was bred by Stronjai Martin-Lewis, out of Ms Marshall Lewis, by Moon Shake.

The Eruption has $46,967 in 24 starts with five wins, all in Texas.

Completing the field were Patriot Tic, Eye Am Tuff, Jax Louisiana Game and Ghost Bear.

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.