TC Abanero and jockey Leonardo Rodriguez battle to victory in the $74,900 Colors of Houston Futurity on June 6 at Sam Houston Race Park. T

© Jack Coady Photography

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

HOUSTON, TX–JUNE 6, 2026–Second-fastest qualifier TC Abanero delivered a winning performance Saturday evening at Sam Houston Race Park, capturing the $74,900 Colors of Houston Futurity (G2) for Paint and Appaloosa juveniles at 300 yards.

Ridden by Leonardo Rodriguez for owner Chile Piquin Partnership and trainer Zackery Rios, TC Abanero dueled throughout before drawing clear to win by one-half length over a sloppy, sealed racing surface. The bay colt stopped the clock in :15.434 while earning a 96 speed index.

The winning connections of TC Abanero accept the $74,900 Colors of Houston Futurity trophy at Sam Houston Downs on Saturday. © Jack Coady Photography

Bred by Toribio Carillo, TC Abanero is a $12,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate sired by Chilitos and out of the First Moonflash mare Take Of Helene FMF. His female family traces to Dam of Distinction Thewayouwantmetoo ($376,506) and champions A Revenant ($604,800) and Famous Shining Star ($211,873).

Making just his second career start, TC Abanero earned the winner's share of $30,055, increasing his bankroll to $32,055.

Cholula H and jockey Jose Herbert finished second for owner Guerras Racing Stables and trainer Gilberto Gonzalez.

The filly was a $16,000 repurchase at the TQHA Yearling Sale before later selling for $18,000 at the Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale.

Bred by Jorge Hadadd, she is sired by Chilitos and out of the winning FDD Dynasty mare Im Marbella, a full sister to stakes winner Santander ($152,309). Her female family also includes champion Jess Louisiana Blue ($170,682). Cholula H now sports a record of 3-0-1-1.

Fastest qualifier Miss Chilitos rallied for third under jockey Oliver Martinez for owner Edgar Rivera Hernandez and trainer Jose Martinez.

Bred by Connie Nobles, the filly is a $13,500 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate by Chilitos from the Stoli mare Tahiti Evening, a full sister to Grade 1 winner Dont Let Down ($697,769). Miss Chilitos now owns a record of 4-2-0-1 with earnings of $24,536.

El Rey De Chilitos finished fourth. San Chilitas crossed the wire fifth but was disqualified and placed eighth following a stewards' inquiry for interference in the late stages. JVM Hot Victoria, Chilitos Suspect and A Political Risk completed the order of finish. Chilitos Grande and Painted Cutarock were scratched.

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