John Deere Sam Houston Juvenile Challenge Preview

Trials were contested for the John Deere Sam Houston Juvenile Challenge (G3) on April 26 with Leviram Racing LLC’s Full Moon Desire setting the fastest qualifying time in seven heats. The filly by Chilitos crossed the wire of the 350-yard trial in :17.821 with Sam  Houston Race Park leading rider Victor Urieta Jr. in the saddle.

The duo will reunite in the final on Saturday as the 4-5 choice in the $121,082 final to be run as the ninth race on the card. The 2024 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate was purchased for $11,000 and is trained by Dimas Sanchez.

Her rivals include Victor Villareal’s homebred VP Dash for Texas, who will be ridden by Alejandro Ochoa. The gelded son of Pyc Prize Time was also a trial winner in a time of :18.068. On The Monee, bred in Louisiana by Ryan and Danielle Robicheaux, also was a trial winner for Tabasco Racing LLC. The filly by Apollitical Jess will be ridden by Oscar Andrade Jr.

The winner will earn a berth in the John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2) to be run October 18 at The Downs at Albuquerque.

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