Houston, Texas (Saturday, January 26,2013) - Trainer John Terranova had never run a horse at Sam Houston Race Park, but when looking at options for Swift Warrior, the Grade 3, $200,000 Connally Turf Cup at Sam Houston Race Park had considerable appeal. He knew his horse liked going a mile-and-one-eighth on the turf, and the timing of the Connally fit well.

What he and his New Jersey-based owners, James Covello and James Dolan did not anticipate is the ease in which their Kentucky-bred won the Grade 3 turf contest. With Jose Espinoza in the irons, the First Samurai five-year-old, never relinquished the lead, completing the first quarter-mile in :24.98 and finishing 2 ¾ lengths ahead of his nine rivals. The final time, over a firm turf course, was 1:49.21.

This was just the third time in the previous 17 editions of the Connally Turf Cup that a front-runner emerged victorious. Warleigh in 2004 and Mending Fences in 2007 were the only two turf specialists to win in gate-to-wire fashion.

"I thought he might end up on the lead," said Terranova from his south Florida base. "On paper, it didn't look like there would be a strong pace to run at. This horse is very versatile and Jose knows him well. He looked very comfortable out there tonight."

Terranova gave high marks to Sam Houston Race Park. He had shipped Swift Warrior in on Tuesday and felt the horse adjusted well to his surroundings, and obviously took beautifully to the Connally Turf Course.

"He's a really neat horse," added Terranova. "He's always been a barn favorite."

This was the first time Espinoza had ridden in Houston, and he had an enjoyable experience.

"Everyone made me feel at home," said Espinoza. "The people were so nice."

Rosie Napravnik, who piloted Papaw Bodie to victory in the 2012 Connally Turf Cup for trainer Mike Maker, had a solid runner-up finish aboard King David, owned by Scarlet Stable.

"He ran well," Napravnik said of the four-year-old son of Hat Trick.

Willcox Inn ran third for trainer Michael Stidham and owners All In Stable and Lael Stable. Seal Cove was fourth, followed by Ocean Seven, Lockout, Marinous (FR), Holiday Promise, Capture the Flag and Red Lead.

The Connally Turf Cup was awarded Grade III status in 2006, the first Thoroughbred graded stakes since Sam Houston Race Park opened in 1994. Previous champions include Chorwon, Fort Prado, Rod and Staff and Candid Glen, who won the stakes a record three times.

Swift Warrior ($5.80) received a check for $114,000, increasing his career bankroll to $340,843. Terranova indicated that the Grade 1, Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs was under consideration for the next start for Swift Warrior.

Ikon Ike Tops Chamberlain Bridge in the $75,000 Champion Energy Services Stakes

2010 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint champion, Chamberlain Bridge returned to Sam Houston Race Park in the five-furlong $75,000 Champion Energy Services Stakes. The nine-year-old son of War Chant is trained Bret Calhoun for owner Carl Moore Management LLC. The ageless turf warrior was in pursuit of his 20th career win on Saturday evening, but was denied by a gritty, track-record setting performance by Ikon Ike.

Larry Jones saddled Ikon Ike, a homebred for Carolyn and Fletcher Gray. With Rosie Napravnik aboard, the four-year-old son of Yes It's True, came powering home, catching Chamberlain Bridge in a thrilling photo finish. The final time of the turf sprint was :56.48 seconds, which broke the previous record of :56.81 set by Charming Socialite in 2006.

"He got there in the last jump," said Jones. "That was an amazing finish."

This was the first win since July for Ikon Ike, who was a fast-closing second last month in the Bonapaw Stakes at Fair Grounds. He paid $7.40 as the second-betting choice.

Chamberlain Bridge was impressive as was his entry-mate Canuletmedowneasy, who ran third under Luis Quinonez.

"He's a very smart horse and has run so well for many years," said Calhoun.

Calhoun did capture the first stakes of the evening with Tour Guide in the $50,000 Allen’s Landing Stakes for three-year-olds. The Broken Vow colt has won four of his six starts for owners and breeders, Gary and Mary West.

Tour Guide ($3.00) held off a late surge from Hardrock Eleven, completing seven furlongs in 1:23.16. Holiday Mischief completed the trifecta.