HOUSTON, TX—MAY 3, 2017—The $25,000 Governors' Cup Marathon at 870 yards, will be the first live stakes run on the Sam Houston Race Park's Kentucky Derby day (see related story) racing program.

Jerry Windham’s homebred Stolis Pro captured the $18,900 AQHA Distance Challenge Championship here on April 15 and will try to keep that streak alive.

Trained by Leon Bard, the 6-year-old son of Stoli, is a brother to AQHA World Champion and All American Futurity champion, Stolis Winner. Francisco Calderon, who has been riding first call for Bard with tremendous success this season, will pilot Stolis Pro from post position two.

Their biggest opposition is likely to come from multiple-stakes winner, Eyesa Shoofly Dandy, a 6-year-old son of Gold Medal Jess owned by Curtis Smith and Steve Holt. Jockey Donell Blake rode the Oklahoma-bred gelding to victory in the $50,000 Pauls Valley Handicap (G3) at Remington Park on April 6.

“He’s doing well; we are always happy to get Donell, who has a lot of skill around the hook,” said current leading Sam Houston Race Park conditioner Judd Kearl.

He will also saddle Crown Racing’s Corona La Jolla, a 9-year-old Texas-bred, who ran second in the Harris County Stakes here on March 31. Noe Villatoro has the mount.

Returning for his second start of the meet is Bet I Make U Famous, owned by Vernon Harman and Robert Moudy, III. Trained by Trey Ellis, the 5-year-old son of One Famous Eagle ran second in the AQHA Distance Challenge here on April 15 under Alfonso Lujan. He wheeled back 12 days later to take a $20,000 optional claimer at Delta Downs.

The Field Cricket, is another experienced distance specialist, and the highest earner in the field. Owned by Claud Denson, the 9-year-old is trained by Jesse Yoakum, who will give a leg up to his son, Jerry Lee.

The Governors’ Cup Marathon will run as the seventh race on the Saturday's Sam Houston card.

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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.