HOUSTON, TX—MAY 31, 2017—Closing out the opening night racing program was the 550-yard Harris County Stakes. Favoritism went to 2014 AQHA world champion, Jrc Callas First, but it was Heza Bell Perry who powered home for the victory.

The 6-year-old son of Heza Fast Dash was making his 26th career start and first at Sam Houston Race Park. Stakes-placed in Louisiana for his owner and trainer Javier Noel Contreras, he closed powerfully under rider Alfonso Lujan, winning by 1-¾ lengths in :27.212. The Louisiana-bred gelding earned a 107-speed index.

"He left good and really accelerated," said Lujan. "He got a little tired at the end, but ran an honest race. I’d like to thank Javier for all his hard work; he had him ready and he ran an outstanding race."

Bred by Mars Racing, from the Toast To Dash mare De Bell Perry, Heza Bell Perry picked up $12,000 to boost his career mark to $147,106. He entered the race off an allowance win at Louisiana Downs last month and is now 2-for-2 in 2017.

"We decided today was the day to try 550 yards," said Contreras. "He beat some very good horses."

Corona La Jolla, under Rodrigo Vallejo, ran second followed by Super Sonic Patriot. Jrc Callas First, who won the 2014 edition of this stakes, finished sixth for trainer Brian Stroud.

Heza Bell Perry ($9.00) will return in the $50,000 Sam Houston Classic (G2), according to Contreras.

Reigning AQHA Racing Champion trainer Judd Kearl saddled Corona La Jolla to his second-place effort for owner Crown Racing. Rodrigo Vallejo rode the Tinys First Corona 8-year-old gelding out of Mary La Jolla by Streakin La Jolla. The $4,000 second-place check increased the multiple stakes winners' earnings to $80,291. Donna Mushinski is the breeder.

Super Sonic Patriot races for owner Richard Mendoza and trainer Roberto Madrigal. Mario Trujillo rode the 4-year-old Jet Black Patriot colt to pick up $2,200. John Pomier bred Super Sonic Patriot in Louisiana from the Thoroughbred mare Totally Selfish by Abaginone. He has earned $50,628.

Stolis Pro, Daring And Dashing, Jrc Callas First, The Field Cricket, If I Were Famous, Brookstone Dash and Corona Continental completed the field.

Trials for the Sam Houston Maiden Classic on Saturday

Each of the twelve races on Saturday, April 1, are trials for the Sam Houston Maiden Classic. The fastest ten qualifiers of the 350-yard trials will advance to the final on Saturday, April 15. Last year's winner was the fastest qualifier, Pete Scarmardo’s homebred, Kid Can Dash, a 3-year-old son of Down N Dash, trained by Leon Bard and ridden to victory by Francisco Calderon.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level presented by Draft Kings, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.