(Houston, Texas - Saturday, May 5, 2012) - In addition to the simulcast of the 138th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs this Saturday, Sam Houston Race Park presented ten American Quarter Horse races. The featured race was the running of the $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2), at the "classic" distance of 440 yards.

Leading Sam Houston Race Park trainer saddled three horses for the Sam Houston Classic (G2), and it was the Mexican invader, Nowurtalkin, who shined brightest of all.

Nowurtalkin, a 4-year old son of Heza Fast Dash is owned by Jose Luis Salazar of Laredo, Texas. He had made nine starts in Mexico City, with seven wins and two second-place efforts. His most recent victory was a stakes win, capturing the 350-yard Clasico Inaugural on January 21.

Salazar shipped the horse to Kearl, who has dominated the trainer standings at Sam Houston and will win his fifth title when the meet concludes on May 19.

Under rider Rodrigo Vallejo, Nowurtalkin broke fourth, but quickly got in stride, drawing off to a 1 1/2 length win over Charal Kid. His final time, over a fast track, was 21.771. This was the third win at the distance for the talented horse, bred in Texas by Jack W. Evans.

"He ran big," said Kearl. "His form said he could race, but we didn't know how it would translate to American soil. After he got out of quarantine, we breezed him three weeks ago. He worked good and looked like he wanted to go the distance."

Charal Kid, under Jorge Linares, ran second and Giorgino, who was a game  runner-up in the $100,620 Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship (G1) on April 14, was third with Santos Carrizales in the irons.
  
"We just got beat by a better horse," said Carrizales.

This was the second Sam Houston Classic title for Kearl, who won the 2010 Sam Houston Classic with Comin Thru. Nowurtalkin left the gates at odds of 6-1 paid $14.20 for the win. He earned $30,000 for his first graded stakes victory.

"He will stay in the United States," said Salazar. "I want him to stand stud here. The next race will be up to Judd."

First Klas Fred completed the superfecta, followed by Shineys Magic T, Executive Prince, Ja Jess Perfect, Sophisticated Snow and Winner's Ignition.

Charmin Chief Corona Fastest Qualifier in Trials for the $112,950 Adequan Texas Derby Challenge

Three trials were run on Saturday afternoon for the $112,950 Adequan Texas Derby Challenge. The first trial produced the fastest time as Charmin Chief Corona, won her 400 yard trial impressively in :19.675. This was the third consecutiva win for the Chief Corona filly, owned and bred by Gary Kurz. She won the $180,900 Sam Houston Derby (G3) here on April 14.

A complete list of the finalists is available on stallionesearch.com.

The final for the top ten qualifiers will take place on Saturday, May 19 with the winner earning a berth in the $200,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G1) at Prairie Meadows on October 27.

Special Afternoon Post on Sunday, May 13 for Mother's Day