HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 24, 2018— Seven trials for the $191,900 Sam Houston Derby (G3) were contested on Friday, April 13 and a very talented group of 3-year-olds will compete in Saturday’s 350 yard final.

The seventh trial produced the fastest clocking of the night when Washta Magnolia blazed to the wire of the 350-yard dash in :17.660 seconds. Owned by Jorge Aguilera, the Oklahoma-bred son of Cartel Success broke his maiden as he set the fastest time. Jorge Lopez trains the bay gelding, who began his career at Remington Park last March in Oklahoma Futurity trials. Jockey Manuel Gutierrez will reunite Washta Magnolia at odds of 7-2.

Kas Tempting, a son of Tempting Dash owned by Garza Laurel Partnership, LLC, is no stranger to success at Sam Houston Race Park, having set the fastest qualifying time in trials for the 2017 Sam Houston Futurity, running fifth in the final to This Is An Eagle. Trained by Saul Ramirez, Jr. Kas Tempting, in pursuit of his fourth career victory, will be ridden by Raul Ramirez, Jr, a cousin of the conditioner.

"He’s a good honest colt," said Saul Ramirez.

Ramirez will also saddle Schutts who won his debut for owner Luis Alberto Villarreal and winning his trial in :17.665, which was the second-fastest qualifying time. The Texas-bred son of Captain Courage will break from the rail under Jesse Lee Levario.

2017 Sam Houston Futurity champion This Is An Eagle was the ninth fastest qualifier. Owner Mary G. Lynne Thompson purchased the son of One Famous Eagle for $100,000 at the 2016 TQHA Yearling Sale. He has won five of his nine career starts and banked $306,922 for trainer Leon Bard. Regular pilot Francisco Calderon stays aboard and tries for the historical first to win both the Sam Houston Futurity and Derby.

The field for the Sam Houston Derby in post position order, with jockeys and odds:

1. Schutts; Jesse Levario, 9-2
2. Tempting Pink; Noe Suarez, 6-1
3. Special Darling; Jose Martinez, 12-1
4. This Is An Eagle; Francisco Calderon, 10-1
5. Kas Tempting; Raul Ramirez, Jr, 2-1
6. Jess Rocking Thunder; Claudio Aguilar, 15-1
7. Washta Magnolia; Manny Gutierrez, 7-2
8. Serendipity Rocks; Noe Villatoro, 8-1
9. One Jess Streakin; Esgar Ramirez, 20-1
10. A Sweet Dynasty; Rodrigo Aceves, 15-1

All Sam Houston Race Park races can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.

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