HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 19, 2019—Mas Pronto Que Alex, a 4-year-old son of Grade 1 sire Inseperable, broke his maiden by an impressive two-length margin Friday night to set the top qualifying time for the $80,200 Sam Houston Maiden Classic.

Ridden by jockey Manuel Gutierrez, the 4-year-old posted the fastest mark of :17.666 seconds, a 93 speed index, in the ninth of 10 trial races. Eighty-three 3-year-old & up maidens, at time of entry, participated in Friday's trials.

Roberto G. Madrigal saddled the bay gelding for owner Jose Luis Alaniz. It was the first win in eight career starts for the Texas-bred colt out of the multiple stakes producing Corona Cartel mare Cindys First Cd. Jorge Haddad is the breeder.

Making his first official start tonight, since the 2017 Texas Classic Futurity trials at Lone Star Park, Mas Pronto Que Alex has earned $20,108.

Santiago Proctor Martinez' 3-year-old son of Bodacious Dash, Rhyder was a head winner over Santander in the second trial to get the second fastest time of :17.700 seconds, a 92 speed index.

The bay colt drove to the finish line under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr., who had the riding call for trainer Santiago Riojas, Jr. It was the first-start this season for the Texas-bred colt out of Debs Cartel by Corona Cartel. Bred by Hazel Mulanax, Rhyder didn't light the board in three attempts as a 2-year-old.

A homebred racing for owner-trainer and breeder Jorge Haddad, runner-up in trial 2, Santander held on to earn the third fastest clocking of :17.718 seconds, also a 92 speed index.

Francisco Calderon rode the Oklahoma-bred son of world champion sire FDD Dynasty from the Feature Mr Jess mare Im A Feature Girl. Second in his first start this year, the 3-year-old colt was a finalist in the Remington Park Juvenile last season.

CLICK HERE for the ten fastest qualifiers who will return for the final of the Sam Houston Maiden Classic on Saturday, May 11 with the winner earning $32,080.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the race track and accommodating groups from 20 to 300 people, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner's Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit shrp.com.