HOUSTON, TX—MAY 12, 2018—The $15,000 Texas Twister, at 110 yards, returned for its tenth renewal at Sam Houston Race Park. A field of ten went to the gate and a very sharp effort from Three Bar Cartel snared the victory.

Three Bar Cartel broke from the rail with jockey Jesse Lee Levario riding for owner Ruben Garcia Montemayor, who also owns Eye N Capo.

The 3-year-old, also sired by Capo de Capi, was undefeated last year, highlighting his campaign with a victory in the 2017 Dash For Cash Futurity at Lone Star Park. Trainer Abelardo Flores, Jr. was pleased with the effort from his speedy gelding.

"He ran very well," said Flores. "We did not want to run our two horses against each other and this horse always breaks so well, we figured this would not take too much out of him."

Jesse Lee Levario was the winning pilot, completing 110-yards in a swift :6.957 seconds, earning a speed index of 98.

"In a 100 yard race, you can’t really do much except hold on until you cross the wire," said Levario. "He always breaks in front and is a really nice horse."

Runner-up Whos Tempting Who, at 27-1, races for owner Jose Fabian Hernandez and trainer Robert Meche. Victor Urieta, Jr. had the riding call aboard the Tempting Dash colt from the Jet Cartel mare Sheaintcrynrealtears. Bred by Alan and Tawn Perkins, Whos Tempting Who earned $3,000.

Third-place finisher Shake Em Rocks stepped into stakes company off back-to-back allowance wins for owner/breeder Betty and Bob Moore. Roger Moore conditions the Rock Solid Jess filly out of Shak Em Fever by Royal Shake Em. She earned $1,650 for the effort.

This was the fourth win from five starts for Three Bar Cartel ($3.80), who did not disappoint as the heavy favorite. He earned $9,000 this evening, increasing his career bankroll to $156,565. Dee and Betty Raper bred Three Bar Cartel in Oklahoma from the Mr Eye Opener mare Eyesa Ridicolous To.

Flores said that his stakes winner will head to Retama Park next.

Jazzin Corona, Petes Logo, Dm La Jolla, Jp In Heavenly, Barbie Cartel, Bellas Swingin and Dash Dont Cheat completed the field.

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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. Eye N Capo, under jockey Jesse Lee Levaro, winning the Grade 2 Sam Houston Classic Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park.