Cab
-photo by Sandra Beck/Coady Photography

(December 23, 2006) - Tonight’s feature at Sam Houston Race Park was the $25,000 Black Gold Stakes for 3-year-olds. The main track feature was run in a heavy downpour, but the rain had no effect on Cab, the even-money favorite, who won by a length under rider Jose Figueroa. The Florida-bred colt is trained by Scott Blasi for Heiligbrodt Racing Stable of Houston. It was a nice day for Blasi and Heilgbrodt as another one of their talented Thoroughbreds, Gaff won the $75,000 Bonapaw Stakes earlier today at Fair Grounds.

Windy Lou, with Filemon Rodriguez in the irons, broke alertly and went to the lead. Figeuroa was patient aboard Cab, running second and calling on the chestnut colt at the top of the stretch. Cab took the lead at the eighth pole and finished well, crossing the wire of the seven-furlong stakes in 1:24.52, over the track which was downgraded from fast to good.

“It’s my first time on him in a race, but I work with him in the mornings, so I pretty much know the horse,” commented Figueroa. “He ran real strong. No problems at all. (Windy Lou) tried to come back and get us at the end, but my horse was too strong.”

Cab was making the 14th start of his career and had previous wins at Oaklawn Park and Remington Park. Sent off as the post-time favorite, Cab paid $4.00 to win. The exacta with Windy Lou returned $45.20 and the trifecta with Lissa’s Star paid $111.40. Guacamole, Roaring Dreams and Favorite Jazz completed the order of finish. Mean Demand was an early scratch.

News and Notes

There is no live racing on Sunday, December 24. Live racing resumes on Friday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. Sam Houston Race Park will be open daily for simulcasting with the exception of Monday, December 25 when the entire facility will be closed in celebration of Christmas.