By Martha Claussen

HOUSTON, TX—MAY 15, 2013—Sam Houston Race Park will play host to the $75,690 690 John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge (G3) and the $59,850 Adequan Texas Derby Challenge with a special 1:00 pm Saturday afternoon racing program in conjunction with the running of the 138th Preakness Stakes (see related story) on Saturday, May 18.

The Kat In The Hat Leads Field for the John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge

Owner and trainer Jose R. Espinosa of Mission, Texas looks forward to more pleasant weather conditions on Saturday for the finals of the $75,690 John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge (G3). His Texas-bred 2-year-old, The Kat in the Hat was the fastest qualifier in trials run on Thursday, May 2.

The trials took place on one of the coldest nights in the meet, with temperatures dipping into the high 40's and winds clocked at 25 mph. However, Espinosa's runner had no problems that night.

“The weather conditions were tough for everyone,” said Espinosa. “This horse is a late (April) baby and was kind of green in his last race. But, he showed good speed and really surprised us.”

The Kat in the Hat was bred by Sherrie Morace and was ridden to victory by Cipriano Vidana. Espinosa purchased the son of Red Oak Special at the TQHA Yearling Sale for $4,000.

Cristata recorded the second-fastest qualifying time of :17.828 for owner Filimon Saucedo and his son, Juan, who trains the Texas-bred filly.

The 350-yard final is set as the eighth race on Saturday, May 18. The winner will have an opportunity to represent Texas in the $150,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2) at Los Alamitos Race Course on November 9.

Tejas Energy B Fastest Qualifier in Trials for the Adequan Texas Derby Challenge

Four trials were run on May 4 for the $59,850 Adequan Texas Derby Challenge. The final trial produced the fastest time as Tejas Energy B dominated his rivals by over three lengths, covering 400-yards in :19.817. The 3-year-old Tres Seis colt is owned by Antonio Delgado, Jr.

Luis Vivanco will have the return call on the sorrel colt for trainer Manuel Vega, Jr. Bred in Texas by Bielau Oaks, Tejas Energy B has a two-race win streak heading into Saturday's final.

"He was lightly raced as a 2-year-old, so he has been very sound coming into this year," said Vega. "We gelded him which made him much more focused. On Sunday morning after his trial, we took him to graze and he acted like he was ready to run another race. His nickname in the barn is 'the rock".

Vega's grandfather was a trainer and abided by the theory that "you make the horse from the inside out". His grandson is now devoting himself to training Quarter Horses after a 38-year career as a college administrator.

"Horses are easier to handle than people," quips Vega, who will ship horses to Retama Park, Delta Downs and Ruidoso Downs after the Sam Houston meet wraps up this weekend.

Tejas Energy B is out of the First Down Dash mare First Down Energy, a sister to champion Tiny First Effort ($445,393) and Grade 1 winner Tiny First Down ($317,881). First Down Energy has produced Grade 1 winner Terrific Energy ($174,393), the dam of Grade 2 Governor's Cup Derby winner Terrific Synergy ($307,026).

Dash Master Jess, a colt by leading sire Mr Jess Perry, won his trial in :19.992 to record the second-fastest qualifying time, and will be ridden by Manuel Gutierrez on Saturday afternoon. Espinosa owns and trains two of the finalists, Sixes Award and Zamron Moon.

The Adequan Texas Derby Challenge, will be run as the ninth race of the card, with post time set at 4:28 p.m. (CT). The winner earns a berth into the $200,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G1) at Los Alamitos Race Course on November 9.

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 16 recently renovated luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Champion Energy Services Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.