(August 5, 2006) - Trials were run on July 21 for the $44,200 Sam Houston Maiden Classic and the fastest qualifiers returned tonight in the 350-yard final. It looked like a routine night at the office for Work Work Work as he closed impressively for the win in tonight’s feature, crossing the wire in :17.917. The gray son of Chicks Beduino, owned by Oscar C. Ramirez of Wilmer, Texas, and trained by Rodolfo Sanchez, was the second fastest qualifier in trials. Jockey Martin Rubalcava had the mount as Gilbert Ortiz was riding in New Mexico.

“In the past, he has been a little hard to saddle in the paddock,” commented Rubalcava. “But, tonight he was real focused and ran his race. Gilbert was riding in Ruidoso today, so I was happy to pick up the mount.”

The fastest qualifier was Stylish Strawfly, a 3-year-old son of Strawfly Special, who broke his maiden in his trial victory on July 21. The bay colt, owned by Jose F. Serna, went to the lead under rider Arturo Puga and looked like he was going to win his second race in a row. Work Work Work closed to his outside and won by a neck.

“He ran good,” said trainer Mario Rodriguez. “They just caught us at the wire. I thought if he would win, I would pay him late for the Sam Houston Derby, but I don’t know now. We’ll wait and see. Arturo said he got away good, but he quit at the end, and they caught us.”

Too Cool Otoole, at odds of 48-1, ran third for rider James Brooks and trainer K C Carden.

Work Work Work, earned $17,680 for tonight’s stakes win. He was sent off as the second betting choice at odds of 3-1 and returned $8.20 for the win. The 4-1 exacta paid $25.00 and the 4-1-5 trifecta returned $531.00. Completing the order of finish were Eyes a Zoomin, Val for Real, Expediously Flex, Lotsamovin, Itsy Bitsy Amour and Streakin Dispatch. Victory Feverette was an early scratch.

Live racing continues on Sunday, August 6 at 1:30 p.m. The 2006 American Quarter Horse meeting will conclude on Saturday, September 9.