(August 25, 2006) - Nine trials were run this evening at Sam Houston Race Park in preparation for one of the premier races of the 2006 Quarter Horse Meeting, the $316,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G1).

With a powerful closing kick, Streakin Illusively, topped the qualifiers with a time of :20.268 for the distance of 400-yards. It was a repeat of the owner/trainer connections as Streakin Ilusively, owned by Lou Phillips of Houston and trained by Janet Van Bebber, was the fastest qualifier in trials for the TQHA Sale Futurity last month at the northwest Houston racetrack. Alfonso Lujan rode the son of Streakin La Jolla to victory in the eighth trial of the evening.

“The colt has a lot of class,” commented Van Bebber. “He stumbled out of the gate, but recovered well. He is an outstanding horse and proved it to us when he had to circle around horses and finished third in his last futurity. We’re glad to be in the position we’re in.”

“He stood good in the gate,” added Lujan. “We were a little concerned, because last time he hit his head (in the starting gate) and broke a tooth. But this time he stood perfectly. He had a good race and came out of it real good, so we’re really pleased with his performance.”

Van Bebber qualified two colts for the Sam Houston Futurity: Streakin Illusively and Snowy Alibi, who won his trial in :20.384, the sixth fastest time of the evening. Lujan, who rode both, will have a tough decision to make as he rode Snowy Alibi to victory in the final of the TQHA Sale Futurity on July 29.

“It’ll be a hard choice for me,” said the young rider. “I will just see which one comes out the trials the best and go from there.”

Zoomin for Bux, winner of the Retama Park Futurity, was the second fastest qualifier, winning the final trial in :20.288 under rider Martin Rubalcava. The chestnut son of Shazoom overcame a poor start, but powered up the track for the victory.

“This was his first time running under the lights,” said Rubalcava. “He won the Retama Park Derby in the daylight and really spooked coming out of the gate. He closed well and I think he will handle the lights without a problem in the final.”

The ten fastest qualifiers will return to Sam Houston Race Park on Friday, September 8 to compete in the finals of the $316,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G1). The final weekend of the 2006 Quarter Horse Meeting will also feature the running of the $122,000 Sam Houston Derby on Saturday, September 9.

$316,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G1) Trials

Trials: Friday, August 25, 2006

Final: Friday, September 8, 2006

2-year-olds 400 yards

*Track Record for 400 Yards: Azoom :19.574- September 24, 2004