(Saturday, August 31, 2002) - Streakin Carl, owned by David Vance, showed his versatility and experience, and with a late surge, captured tonight's feature at Sam Houston Race Park, the $42,500 Governors' Cup Marathon. The 6-year-old son of Streakin La Jolla won his second consecutive stakes of the meeting for trainer Danny J. Eldridge.

Ridden tonight by Darrell Constantin, Streakin Carl broke from post position eight and trailed the seven-horse field in the early stages of the race. Constantin began making up ground at the top of the stretch and Streakin Carl closed willingly, besting Six Little Injuns by ¾ of a length. The final time of the 870 yard race was :45.910.

"I broke his maiden as a 2-year-old," recalled Constantin. "As good as he was then, he is even better as an older horse. I appreciate Danny (Eldridge) giving me the mount."

Streakin Carl, was equally impressive on August 18 winning the 1,000 yard Rio Grande Handicap. Trainer Eldridge was not overly concerned about drawing the outside post position for tonight's 870 yard contest.

"He is solid at both 870 and 1,000 yards, but I think that 1,000 suits his running style a little better," said Eldridge. "He never comes out firing right out of the gate, but once he gets going, he accelerates pretty well."

This was the sixth win for the Louisiana-bred distance specialist, who added $25,550 to his career bankroll.

Six Little Injuns, owned by Thompson & Dunlap Partnership, was in striking position heading for the wire, but could not hold off the fast-closing winner.

"He almost beat me in the Virgil Bond," said trainer Larry Kopycinski. "I knew he was going to be the threat. I have no complaints. My horse ran his race and had his chance."

"He is the kind that waits on other horses to come run with him," added rider Gilbert Ortiz. "I didn't want to make the lead too soon. When we made the lead he went to flicking his ears waiting. He picked it up again when that horse went by but it was too late."

I Saw Elvis, still running strong at 10-years-old, completed the trifecta for trainer Toby Keeton and owners Mesquite Pass Farms Inc.

"Our trip was erratic in the turn," said rider Mark Page. "We were getting bumped from Tiny Chris La Jolla. Down the lane I had every shot. I never rode him before, but he didn't appear to like the rail. He kept looking at it; I had to keep riding him. I probably would have down better in the two hole."

Streakin Carl, who was sent off at 6-1, paid $15.40 to win, $5.40 to place and $3.00 to show. The 8-5 exacta returned $42.60, and the 8-5-1 trifecta paid $232.60. The rest of the field included Irish Leader, Cat B Quick, Tiny Chris La Jolla and Judes Mighty Dude. Doctor Streakin was an early scratch.