Bravura extends winning streak to three in Jim's Orbit

Bravura broke like a shot and led throughout for a 2 1/4-length win over Silver Doddge in Saturday night’s $75,000 Jim’s Orbit division of the Texas Stallion Stakes at Sam Houston. The race was one of two restricted stakes for 3-year-olds on the card, with Thievery up for a neck win in the $75,000 Two Altazano division of the Texas Stallion Stakes.

Bravura ($3.60) was in command of his rivals through an opening quarter-mile of 22.66 seconds, and then withstood pressure from Silver Doddge while continuing to lead through a half-mile in 45.44. In the stretch, Bravura went on to cover six furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.59.

“He walked into the gate and stood perfectly,” said winning rider C.J. McMahon. “He left there on his ‘A’ game. When the other horse ran to us, I squeezed and he ran on. He never ceases to amaze me.”

Bret Calhoun trains Bravura and was winning his third straight Jim’s Orbit behind Supermason in 2014 and Ibaka in 2015.

Bravura was winning his third straight race and second consecutive stakes following his victory in last month’s Groovy at Sam Houston. He races for his breeder, Victoria Ashford. Bravura is a son of Early Flyer.

Calhoun said last week that Bravura is a candidate for the next race in the Texas Stallion Stakes series, which will come at Lone Star Park.

Thievery ($13.20) was content to sit off dueling leaders Too Much Prada and Indygo Rocket through fractions of 23.19 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.17 for the half-mile. The eventual winner went on to cover six furlongs in 1:12.16.

“She is so nice and gave me everything,” said winning rider Iram Diego.

Steve Asmussen trains Thievery, who capped a big day for the barn as Asmussen also won the Risen Star and Duncan F. Kenner at Fair Grounds.

Thievery races for Ackerley Brothers Farm. She is a daughter of Valid Expectations and was bred by Glory Days Breeding.