Sam Houston: Solar Charge handles surface switch in Bucharest

Coady Photography/Sandra Beck

Solar Charge, ridden by Roman Chapa, wins for the first time on grass in the five-furlong Bucharest.

Solar Charge won the first turf race of his career Saturday night at Sam Houston Race Park, when he rallied from off the pace to win the $50,000 Bucharest. He was moving back to the grass, where he had run second four times, following a runner-up finish in the $50,000 Spirit of Texas on the main track last month in Houston.

Solar Charge ($4.20) sat off the pace set by the filly Cowgirl N Up, who led through an opening half-mile in 45.44 seconds. Solar Charge overtook that one to cover the five furlongs on firm turf in 57.33 seconds.

“I just had to get my horse to relax,” said Roman Chapa, who rode the winner for trainer Danny Pish. “We knew there was a lot of speed in the race, but Danny and I talked and wanted to get him to relax and make one big run in the end. That’s what he did.”

Solar Charge races for H and H Ranch.

There is no racing at Sam Houston on Sunday due to the Super Bowl.