HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 29, 2017—Making his first start since a fourth-place effort in the John Deere Ruidoso Juvenile Challenge(G3) last July, Gustafame drew off, under jockey Rodrigo Vallejo, to set the fastest qualifying time in the Adequan Texas Derby Challenge trials at Sam Houston Race Park Saturday night.

The 10 fastest qualifiers will return to Sam Houston Race Park on Sunday, May 20th to vie for the winner's share of a $35,000-added purse as well as a starting spot in the $180,000 Grade 3 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship at Prairie Meadows October 14th.

Saddled by AQHA Champion trainer Judd Kearl, Gustafame is a Utah homebred son of Freighttrain B racing for owner/breeders Jim and Louise Padgett. The sorrel gelding completed the 400 yards in :20.148 seconds, a 94-speed index into an 18 mph-headwind.

Out of the Dash Ta Fame mare Kensey Ann Fame, Gustafame has compiled a (7) 2-2-0 record and earned nearly $18,000. He was also fourth in the John Deere Texas Juvenile Challenge at Sam Houston last year.

Jerry Windham's Trashy Tres was a one-length winner in the first trial to post the second fastest time of :20.293 seconds, a 90-speed index.

Leon Bard conditions the Tres Seis filly out of Jess An Illusion by Mr Jess Perry. Saturday's victory was the second in seven starts for the Texas-bred. Salvador Martinez had the riding assignment.

For the complete list of qualifiers for the Adequan Texas Derby Challenge, including times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

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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.