HOU Ladies Classic Grade 3

1 1/16 on Dirt

Purse $300,000 For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward

Sam Houston Race Park, Houston TX

Not to get too far ahead of ourselves here in January, but this could be the best grade three race this year for fillies and mares. A wide open tussle between some of the top stock in the country. They don’t get much saltier than this group. The Ladies Classic could easily be a grade one and you should get plenty of wagering value if you can make the correct selection. Starting Over from Twin Towers Racing has ran second in back to back Breeder’s Cups. The fourteen for forty-four pro has also been freshened since her run on November first in the 2025 BC renewal. Drawn perfectly, she should be the most explosive late. Present Tense from Mb Stables is drawn in the parking lot, giving the Breeder’s Cup Distaff winner a lot to do here. Obvious morning line favorite and legitimate monster, she could still win this, but the draw must be overcome. Spring Street from High Voltage is a tough mare to get right, but when you do catch her, you get paid. The barn made a jockey move late in the year going to JJ Hernandez as their “go to” out of town pilot and he is in the irons Saturday. One of the best seven furlong workers on the grounds, she has more natural speed than usually show. Her pilot should be able to place her where needed. Menacing Shadow from La Canada Racehorses is a win machine, going eleven for eighteen over her career. A couple of her numbers from last year fit here and she should be in front of several of the closers. Win, loose or draw she will give you a solid run for your two dollars.

Of the rest;

Soliloquy Sunset from Nakamura Stables will most likely track the leader or leaders all the way around the course and pounce before the closers hit their best stride. Her pilot needs to push the button at exactly the right time to come home with the prize.

Wasted Away also from Mb Stables should hit the gas early here and might forget to stop. The pilot is red hot and she most likely will be the target.

Boardwalk Authority from Winning Link Stables is not as accomplished as most of her rivals, but she should have position and a good trip forthcoming. If she is able to fire her career best shot, she might surprise in her final placing Saturday.

Devil In High Heels from The Sidley Stud draws the rail and will loose no ground. The connections were trying to get her back on track in this spot, but unluckily drew a grade one cast running in a grade three race. Plenty of ability and she should be a square price if you believe.

Be Exceptional also from Twin Towers Racing has made most of her purse money on the sod. However, she just ran her best dirt race in her last start and was one notch away from going to the always elusive century mark on her figures. Will still need to improve here to play ball.

El Grande Latte from Black N Gold Stable was given out by this handicapper when storming home in The Mother Goose. This race is much tougher, but I would still include her in your exotics. She continues to be a storybook claim.

Jawaher from DJC Racing Stables is interesting here. Her best two numbers came when going this trip. She has shown speed and has also closed. Whatever tactics are employed Saturday she will need her top effort. A win would certainly help her pilots confidence.

Happy Dancer also from Nakamura Stables is a newly turned four year old who did her best work going longer on turf. Her barn is sharp, but this looks like a rugged spot to say the least.

-Trackman

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES