Sam Houston Race 8 - Race 8 - Allowance Optional Claiming
HIGH FRONT (4) settled well back last start and never threatened when 8 lengths from the winner in ninth over 1106m in Listed grade at Fairgrounds Turf (Turf). Finds a nice race and can find winning form. BALSA (7) showed good early speed last start before boxing on well and finishing second, beaten 1.5 lengths, over today's trip at this track (Turf). In the right race and is a key runner. BAD BEAT BRIAN (9) hasn't been far away lately, beaten 3 lengths at his most recent appearance when third over 1006m at this track (Turf). Has the pace to be in a prominent position from the outset. Will be in this for a long way. STAYED IN FOR HALF (2) has been freshened up since he finished fifth over 1006m at this track (Turf) six weeks ago. Distance specialist with five wins and nine minor placings from 21 runs and cannot be underestimated.

Jockey: Weston Hamilton
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
At the latest run tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 7 at this track on February 8 over 1006m, 5.5 len behind Jackman's Ride carrying 55kg at $13.40. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 8 at Delta Downs on December 20 over 1006m, 4 len behind Double Edge Sword with 55.5kg at $2.30. Hard to recommend on recent form.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 08/02/2026 | 50 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,068.00 | Sam Houston Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Weston Hamilton | 55kg | 0:56.55 | 3-3-4 | 3 |
| 5.5L | $13.40 |
| 2/8 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | HCP 3U | $31,394.00 | Delta Downs | 1006m | Fast | Carlos Perez | 55.5kg | 0:58.13 | 3-2-2 | 4 |
| 3.8L | $2.30 |
| 2/8 | 06/12/2025 | 45 | HCP 3U | $36,753.00 | Delta Downs | 1006m | Fast | Carlos Perez | 55.5kg | 0:58.32 | 5-2-2 | 7 |
| 0.1L | $2.60 |
| 1/9 | 22/10/2025 | 60 | ALLOW 3U | $36,530.00 | Delta Downs | 1006m | Fast | Carlos Perez | 53kg | 0:57.98 | 1-1-1 | 9 |
| 2.0L | $5.20 |
| 1/8 | 23/08/2025 | 42 | LR OPEN 3U | $52,713.00 | Gillespie County Fairground | 796m | Fast | Victor Manuel Jr Urieta | 58kg | 0:47.21 | 8-6-1 | 7 |
| 0.3L | $3.90 |
| 8/8 | 12/07/2025 | 15 | ALLOW 3U | $59,633.00 | Lone Star Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Luis R Reyes | 56kg | 0:55.30 | 5-8-8 | 5 |
| 21.6L | $16.40 |

Jockey: Iram Vargas Diego
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Comes off a 42-day let-up. First-up after three months second last in a small field at this track on January 16 over 1006m, 4 len behind Brucelea with 55kg at $3. Previously second-up 4th of 9 at Lone Star Park on July 6 over 1006m, 4 len behind El Diablo Rojo with 55.5kg at $12. Fitter and worth including.
Last Starts 42 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/6 | 16/01/2026 | 76 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,068.00 | Sam Houston Park Turf | 1006m | FM | F Wethey Jr | 55kg | 0:57.10 | 1-5-5 | 6 |
| 3.8L | $3.00 |
| 2/3 | 01/11/2025 | 16 | ALLOW 3U | $41,221.00 | Remington Park Turf | 1006m | FM | S Elliott | 54.5kg | 0:56.61 | 2-2-2 | 3 |
| 0.1L | $5.20 |
| 2/9 | 16/10/2025 | 30 | CLM 3U | $41,096.00 | Remington Park Turf | 1006m | FM | S Elliott | 54.5kg | 0:55.86 | 2-3-2 | 8 |
| 1.8L | $5.30 |
| 2/8 | 16/09/2025 | 18 | CLM 3U | $18,349.00 | Usa - Louisiana Downs Turf | 1006m | FM | Juan P Vargas | 56kg | 0:56.33 | 3-1-2 | 3 |
| 0.5L | $4.20 |
| 2/8 | 29/08/2025 | 23 | CLM 3U | $27,132.00 | Evangeline Downs | 1006m | SP | Elio J Barrera | 56kg | 0:57.60 | 1-2-2 | 4 |
| 5.5L | $4.60 |
| 1/7 | 06/08/2025 | 31 | HCP 3U | $18,605.00 | Usa - Louisiana Downs Turf | 1006m | FM | Juan P Vargas | 54.5kg | 0:57.62 | 1-2-1 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $2.70 |

Jockey: Jose L. Alvarez
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up. Finished off last campaign by nose Lone Star Park Turf June 29 over 1006m defeating Rags Royal Prinz with 56kg at $1.80. When resuming last campaign third of 11 at this track February 16 2025 over 1006m, 1.5 len behind Saturday's Gold carrying 55kg at $14. Hard to enthuse.
Last Starts 243 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 29/06/2025 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,100.00 | Lone Star Park Turf | 1006m | FM | E Valdez-Jiminez | 56kg | 0:56.36 | 11-1-1 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $1.80 |
| 1/10 | 01/06/2025 | 36 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,100.00 | Lone Star Park Turf | 1006m | FM | E Valdez-Jiminez | 56kg | 0:56.36 | 3-1-1 | 8 |
| 1.0L | $2.80 |
| 5/6 | 26/04/2025 | 29 | HCP 3U | $28,754.00 | Lone Star Park | 1006m | Fast | E Valdez-Jiminez | 55kg | 0:58.79 | 4-3-5 | 5 |
| 3.0L | $6.40 |
| 3/7 | 28/03/2025 | 40 | HCP 3U | $31,696.00 | Sam Houston | 1006m | M | E Valdez-Jiminez | 55kg | 0:57.41 | 3-3-3 | 5 |
| 9.5L | $17.60 |
| 3/11 | 16/02/2025 | 144 | HCP 3U | $26,570.00 | Sam Houston Park Turf | 1006m | FM | E Valdez-Jiminez | 55kg | 0:58.21 | 1-1-3 | 9 |
| 1.6L | $14.00 |
| 5/9 | 25/09/2024 | 28 | CLM 3U | $17,647.00 | Louisiana Downs | 1006m | Fast | C Lozada | 56kg | 0:59.24 | 3-5-5 | 1 |
| 6.1L | $5.80 |

Jockey: Stewart Elliott
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 41-day let-up. At the latest run ran last of 9 at Fairgrounds Turf in LR on January 17 over 1106m, 8 len behind Usually Wrong with 53.5kg at $25.70. The start before that ran last in a small field at Fairgrounds Turf on December 21 over 1106m, 5.5 len behind Heart Headed with 54.5kg at $5.80. Can atone for a modest effort last time.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/9 | 17/01/2026 | 27 | LR OPEN 4U | $149,477.00 | Usa - Fairgrounds Turf | 1106m | FM | Florent Geroux | 53.5kg | 1:01.63 | 8-8-9 | 9 |
| 8.9L | $25.70 |
| 6/6 | 21/12/2025 | 36 | ALLOW 3U | $91,884.00 | Usa - Fairgrounds Turf | 1106m | FM | Pascacio Lopez | 54.5kg | 1:01.96 | 5-2-6 | 3 |
| 5.4L | $5.80 |
| 3/12 | 15/11/2025 | 48 | ALLOW 3U | $229,008.00 | Usa - Churchill Downs Turf | 1106m | FM | I Ortiz Jr | 54.5kg | 1:02.47 | 7-3-3 | 9 |
| 1.0L | $6.71 |
| 7/12 | 28/09/2025 | 28 | LR OPEN 3U | $382,263.00 | Remington Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Keith J Asmussen | 53.5kg | 0:55.52 | 2-4-7 | 11 |
| 2.8L | $18.70 |
| 2/10 | 31/08/2025 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $325,581.00 | Kentucky | 1308m | FM | Keith J Asmussen | 56kg | 1:14.14 | 5-1-2 | 9 |
| 0.8L | $15.78 |
| 4/10 | 03/08/2025 | 22 | LR OPEN 3U | $387,597.00 | Usa - Ellis Park Turf | 1106m | FM | Keith J Asmussen | 55.5kg | 1:00.68 | 9-4-4 | 6 |
| 1.8L | $31.82 |

Jockey: Rene Diaz
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Comes off a 49-day let-up. First-up after two months won by 1.0 len at Sam Houston Park January 9 over 1006m defeating Lightning Struck carrying 56kg at $3.10. Previously second-up in a small field at Lone Star Park on May 17 over 1207m, 9 len behind Too Much Action with 56kg at $4.30. Must improve significantly.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 09/01/2026 | 64 | CLM 3U | $29,148.00 | Sam Houston | 1006m | Fast | Rene Diaz | 56kg | 0:57.95 | 1-1-1 | 4 |
| 1.0L | $3.10 |
| 1/7 | 06/11/2025 | 41 | ALLOW 3U | $30,534.00 | Remington Park | 1207m | Fast | Rene Diaz | 54.5kg | 1:10.23 | 1-1-1 | 7 |
| 0.1L | $6.00 |
| 4/6 | 26/09/2025 | 21 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $61,162.00 | Remington Park | 1207m | Fast | Rene Diaz | 56kg | 1:10.42 | 2-4-4 | 6 |
| 5.1L | $4.40 |
| 3/6 | 05/09/2025 | 55 | ALLOW 3U | $30,581.00 | Remington Park | 1207m | Fast | Adrian X Morales | 55.5kg | 1:11.45 | 3-3-3 | 4 |
| 7.8L | $3.70 |
| 1/9 | 12/07/2025 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $51,223.00 | Lone Star Park | 1308m | Fast | Ramon A Vazquez | 56kg | 1:16.81 | 1-1-1 | 3 |
| 0.5L | $3.00 |
| 4/8 | 14/06/2025 | 13 | ALLOW 3U | $53,655.00 | Lone Star Park | 1106m | Fast | Ramon A Vazquez | 56kg | 1:03.72 | 1-3-4 | 5 |
| 5.0L | $2.10 |

Jockey: Floyd Wethey Jr.
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break of three months. Finished off last campaign when last of 8 at Laurel November 29 over 1207m, 23 len behind Freeze The Fire with 56kg at $17.30. Previously first up; fifth of 9 at Laurel Turf October 12 over 1106m, 4 len behind Where's Ray with 56kg at $12.60. May need the run.
Last Starts 90 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 29/11/2025 | 48 | HCP 3U | $46,466.00 | Laurel Park | 1207m | Fast | Martin Chuan | 56kg | 1:10.72 | 3-6-8 | 8 |
| 23.3L | $17.30 |
| 5/9 | 12/10/2025 | 92 | HCP 3U | $46,423.00 | Usa - Laurel Turf | 1106m | FM | Martin Chuan | 56kg | 1:02.63 | 3-3-5 | 5 |
| 4.3L | $12.60 |
| 5/8 | 12/07/2025 | 28 | ALLOW 3U | $59,633.00 | Lone Star Park Turf | 1006m | FM | L Quinonez | 56kg | 0:55.30 | 4-6-5 | 2 |
| 6.1L | $15.20 |
| 2/10 | 14/06/2025 | 35 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $53,655.00 | Lone Star Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Erik Asmussen | 54.5kg | 0:56.11 | 2-3-2 | 3 |
| 1.5L | $6.00 |
| 5/7 | 10/05/2025 | 22 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $53,906.00 | Lone Star Park Turf | 1006m | FM | S Elliott | 54.5kg | 0:56.02 | 3-5-5 | 1 |
| 5.0L | $2.10 |
| 2/10 | 18/04/2025 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $55,112.00 | Lone Star Park Turf | 1509m | FM | S Elliott | 54.5kg | 1:28.38 | 1-2-2 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $2.80 |

Jockey: Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form sound. Most recently held ground to the line 2nd of 7 at this track on February 8 over 1006m, 1.5 len behind Jackman's Ride with 55kg at $5.50. Before that 2nd in a small field at this track on January 16 over 1006m, 0.8 len behind Brucelea with 55kg at $3.40. Plenty to like about his prospects.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 08/02/2026 | 23 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,068.00 | Sam Houston Park Turf | 1006m | FM | E Valdez-Jiminez | 55kg | 0:56.55 | 2-2-2 | 5 |
| 1.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/6 | 16/01/2026 | 50 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,068.00 | Sam Houston Park Turf | 1006m | FM | E Valdez-Jiminez | 55kg | 0:57.10 | 3-1-2 | 1 |
| 0.8L | $3.40 |
| 12/12 | 27/11/2025 | 43 | CLM 3U | $91,603.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | Emmanuel Esquivel | 54.5kg | 1:17.09 | 2-11-12 | 6 |
| 31.2L | $42.65 |
| 6/8 | 15/10/2025 | 20 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $54,795.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf | 1006m | FM | Luis Contreras | 55.5kg | 0:55.70 | 4-4-6 | 8 |
| 6.5L | $5.50 |
| 6/6 | 25/09/2025 | 17 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $55,046.00 | Indiana Downs | 1006m | SP | Luis Contreras | 55.5kg | 0:57.21 | 2-5-6 | 6 |
| 14.8L | $4.90 |
| 2/9 | 08/09/2025 | 26 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $55,046.00 | Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf | 1006m | FM | Abel Cedillo | 55.5kg | 0:55.40 | 5-3-2 | 2 |
| 1.0L | $11.70 |

Jockey: Lane J. Luzzi
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 29 day let-up. Most recently ran last of 8 at Fairgrounds Turf on January 29 over 1106m, 9 len behind Amoudi Bay carrying 54.5kg at $17.30. The start before that faded in the straight 5th of 12 at Fairgrounds Turf on December 27 over 1609m, 3 len behind Lebowski with 54kg at $45.80. Mediocre effort last start but is capable of better.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 29/01/2026 | 33 | ALLOW 4U | $82,212.00 | Usa - Fairgrounds Turf | 1106m | Good | Colby J Hernandez | 54.5kg | 1:03.41 | 3-7-8 | 5 |
| 9.3L | $17.30 |
| 5/12 | 27/12/2025 | 45 | ALLOW 3U | $84,227.00 | Usa - Fairgrounds Turf | 1609m | FM | Colby J Hernandez | 54kg | 1:36.12 | 1-1-5 | 2 |
| 3.3L | $45.80 |
| 10/10 | 12/11/2025 | 26 | HCP 3U | $99,237.00 | Usa - Aqueduct Inner Turf | 1207m | FM | Katie Davis | 55.5kg | 1:09.84 | 4-9-10 | 7 |
| 3.7L | $52.75 |
| 1/9 | 17/10/2025 | 29 | CLM 3U | $68,493.00 | Usa - Aqueduct Turf | 1207m | FM | K Carmouche | 56kg | 1:09.94 | 3-3-1 | 9 |
| 0.3L | $7.84 |
| 6/7 | 18/09/2025 | 47 | ALLOW 3U | $134,557.00 | Usa - Aqueduct Turf | 1207m | FM | Lane J Luzzi | 55kg | 1:07.48 | 4-6-6 | 5 |
| 8.8L | $52.99 |
| 10/10 | 02/08/2025 | 55 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $178,295.00 | Usa - Saratoga Turf | 1106m | FM | Lane J Luzzi | 56kg | 1:01.44 | 9-10-10 | 9 |
| 7.6L | $74.50 |

Jockey: Stewart Elliott
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Form hard to fault. Last start 3rd of 7 at this track on February 8 over 1006m, 3 len behind Jackman's Ride with 55kg at $5.70. The race before that 4th in a small field at this track on January 16 over 1006m, 1.3 len behind Brucelea with 55kg at $5.20. Another bold run is expected.
Last Starts 19 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 08/02/2026 | 23 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,068.00 | Sam Houston Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Isaiah Wiseman | 55kg | 0:56.55 | 7-4-3 | 4 |
| 3.0L | $5.70 |
| 4/6 | 16/01/2026 | 62 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $52,068.00 | Sam Houston Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Keith J Asmussen | 55kg | 0:57.10 | 6-3-4 | 3 |
| 1.3L | $5.20 |
| 4/12 | 15/11/2025 | 14 | ALLOW 3U | $229,008.00 | Usa - Churchill Downs Turf | 1106m | FM | Erik Asmussen | 54.5kg | 1:02.47 | 6-4-4 | 8 |
| 2.8L | $14.66 |
| 3/3 | 01/11/2025 | 34 | ALLOW 3U | $41,221.00 | Remington Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Erik Asmussen | 54.5kg | 0:56.61 | 3-3-3 | 2 |
| 1.3L | $2.60 |
| 3/12 | 28/09/2025 | 23 | LR OPEN 3U | $382,263.00 | Remington Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Erik Asmussen | 54.5kg | 0:55.52 | 9-3-3 | 1 |
| 1.3L | $45.80 |
| 2/5 | 05/09/2025 | 13 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $62,691.00 | Remington Park Turf | 1006m | FM | Kelsi Purcell | 54.5kg | 0:57.10 | 4-2-2 | 5 |
| 2.0L | $3.10 |