Blueridge Traveler closes strong in Maxxam Gold Cup

Blueridge Traveler became a stakes winner Saturday night at Sam Houston, when he was up in time for a neck victory over Net Gain in the $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup at Sam Houston. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third to pacesetter Holiday Mischief.

The Maxxam was the richest of four stakes on the card. The races were worth a cumulative $250,000.

Blueridge Traveler ($3.20) raced near athe back of the pace as Holiday Mischief coasted on the lead through fractions of 25.14 seconds for the opening quarter, 50.88 for the half-mile, and 1:15.16 for six furlongs. Blueridge Traveler had one horse beat at the top of the stretch and put in a determined bid to overtake Holiday Mischief and then Net Gain while covering 1 1/8 miles on a fast track 1:51.47.

“He really ran home nice,” winning rider Channing Hill said. “He really ran down the stretch.”

Ken McPeek trains Blueridge Traveler for Horizon Stables.

“This colt’s really got his timing and finish down,” McPeek told Sam Houston officials. “He needs every bit of a mile and an eighth.”

McPeek said Blueridge Traveler will be pointed to the $100,000 Kentucky Cup Classic, a 1 1/8-mile race March 17 at Turfway Park. A long-range objective, he said, is the Ben Ali at Keeneland.

Blueridge Traveler was second in last year's Grade 3 Spiral at Turfway. He is a son of To Honor and Serve. McPeek has now won the Maxxam Gold Cup twice, with his other winner Unstoppable U in 2013.

Wings Locked Up wires Houston Sprint Cup

Wings Locked Up ($9) led throughout for a half-length victory over Counterforce in the $50,000 Houston Sprint Cup. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back in third to Bending Saint.

Wings Locked Up set fractions of 21.95 for the opening quarter and 44.39 for the half-mile before covering six furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.94. Glenn Corbett was aboard for trainer Clinton Stuart.

Wings Locked Up is a son of Munnings who races for Sad Sac Racing.

* Proud Reunion ($5.20) rallied for a neck win over Brooks House in the $50,000 Jersey Lilly for fillies and mares. The winner covered 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:45.09. Sophie Doyle was aboard for breeder-owner Brereton Jones and trainer Tom Proctor. Proud Reunion is by Proud Citizen.

* Bonjour Baby ($8.60) was up for a nose win over P Millers Clock in the $50,000 Houston Turf. The winner covered 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:45.71. The race was for 4-year-olds and up bred in Texas. Sasha Risenhoover was aboard Bonjour Baby for Alvin Wong and trainer Larry Stroope. The winner is a son of Sing Baby Sing.