HOUSTON, TX—MAY 10, 2017—Trials were run on April 22 for the $41,757 Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park.

Almada Racing’s Borger Boy broke his maiden and set the fastest qualifying time that evening. The son of Bigtime Favorite won his 350-yard trial in :17.584 seconds, earning a 94-speed index.

Josue Ponce saddled the 3-year-old who was in the money in four of seven starts including a third-place effort in the West Texas Juvenile at Sunland Park.

Santos Carrizales qualified both Borger Boy and Boogie To the Top for the final, both for Ponce. Boogie Tothe Top is an Oklahoma-bred 3-year-old by Prospect To The Top, who will make his fourth career start for owner Ovidio M. Sandoval.

"I knew right away that I would ride Boogie Tothe Top in the final, said Carrizales. "He ran a really good race off the layoff."

Ponce was fine with the decision by the veteran jockey.

"I always leave it to the rider," said Ponce. "Whatever they feel most comfortable with. Boogie Tothe Top has several small issues last year, and we felt he needed some time off. He came back well, especially running for the first time under the lights."

Jockey Luciano Duenez, who won his first career stakes aboard Almada Racing’s Alluring Lil Menace for Ponce on opening night, will pilot Borger Boy. He has been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite.

"Luciano’s done a good job for the barn," added Ponce. "I’m happy to have two runners in the final."

Chula Kid finished second to Borger Boy and earned the second-fastest clocking in the trials. The 4-year-old daughter of The Louisiana Cartel is owned by Greta and Pete Guerra and conditioned by Jorge Luis Muniz. Rider Luis Ruiz will pilot the Texas-bred mare who will be making her fifth career start on Saturday night.

Trainer Judd Kearl will send out Tellem Honeys Here, a 3-year-old Teller Cartel filly owned by Martha Martin. She set the third-fastest qualifying time and will be ridden by Rodrigo Vallejo.

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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.