Sam Houston Race 5 - Race 5 - Maiden Claiming
A SUN OF THUNDER (6) appeals as the leading chance, having placed 3rd at Delta Downs over 229m and again at Delta Downs over 274m last campaign before a freshen. ASSERTIVE MOON EAGLE (1) was runner-up at Lone Star Park over 229m two starts back and has another placing in recent form. ESTRELLA HECHICERA (7) finished 3rd at Retama Park over 229m last season and has been around the mark at this trip. PYC DASH TA PHOEBE (2) was 2nd at Sam Houston over 274m last year and can be competitive if recapturing that form. These four shape as the main hopes based on recent placings at similar distances.

Jockey: H. Hernandez
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up after a 179-day break, having last finished 8th of 10 at Lone Star Park over 201m, beaten 2.8L at $13. Ran 2nd two starts back at the same track and trip, beaten 0.5L at $4. Has placed twice from six starts but is yet to break through. Can feature with the right run freshened up.

Jockey: Luis Vivanco
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after a 179-day break. Best recent effort was a 2nd at Sam Houston over 274m on 5 Jun, beaten 0.5L by Up And Good at $3.70. Has placed once from five starts and draws well in barrier 2. Can feature with a return to that form.

Jockey: Gilberto Linares
Weight: 58kgs
Stats
Comments
Unraced filly by Kas Tempting on debut for Carlos Turrubiartes. Draws barrier 3 with Gilberto Linares to ride. Watch for any market support on debut.

Jockey: Angel Fierro
Weight: 58kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th of 10 at Lone Star Park over 274m on 30 Oct, beaten 4.3L in Maiden Claiming company at $11. Has finished around midfield in recent runs, including two 4th placings at Sam Houston earlier this year. Drops slightly in trip after a 180-day break. Not without hope if forward enough first-up.

Jockey: Alejandro Medina
Weight: 58kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start finished 6th of 8 at Louisiana Downs over 320m on 24 Feb, beaten 3.5L at $20 behind Aj Cyclone. Ran 4th at Lone Star Park two starts back, just 0.3L from the winner. Drops back in trip for this. Has place claims if he finds his best.

Jockey: Alejandro Zuniga
Weight: 58kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after a 228-day break. Last start finished 10th of 10 at Lone Star Park over 274m, beaten 3.5L behind Duke Watters. Placed twice at Delta Downs last season, including a close 3rd over 229m. Can improve fresh with the right run.

Jockey: Noe Villatoro
Weight: 58kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after a 173-day break. Last start finished 6th of 8 at Lone Star Park over 229m, beaten 3.4L by Goodbye For Real. Placed two runs back at Retama Park over the same trip. Can improve fresh.

Jockey: Francisco Giles
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up after 192 days. Last start finished 7th of 9 at Lone Star Park over 320m, beaten 6.45L behind Big Daddys Secret. Ran 4th at Sam Houston two starts back over 274m, 2.5L from the winner. Can improve with added fitness.

Jockey: Raul Hernandez, Jr.
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start finished 5th of 9 at Sunland Park over 302m on 20 Feb, beaten 1.6L with 58.5kg at $7 behind Eagle Dash Corona. Ran 4th at Lone Star Park two starts back, beaten 1.3L at $19. Drops 2kg and comes back 74m in trip. Has place claims if she can build on recent efforts.

Jockey: Jose Herbert
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 4th of 9 at Louisiana Downs over 201m on 14 Mar, beaten 2L with 57kg at $7. Has finished 5th in each of her previous four runs, including a close effort at Evangeline Downs three starts back. Drops 0.5kg and steps up slightly in trip. Can improve with a good run from the draw.