Eldon's Effort off stakes romp

Eldon's Effort was a 12 1/4-length winner last time out in the $66,000 Governor's at Zia Park on Oct. 29, a performance that will make him a strong favorite in Saturday night's $45,000 Bountiful Harvest at Sam Houston Race Park. A six-furlong race for 2-year-olds, the Bountiful Harvest also drew the stakes winner Sir Five Star.

In the Governor's, run at six furlongs, Eldon's Effort took the lead soon after the start and increased his advantage throughout to earn a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 91.

The Governor's was Eldon's Effort's first start in nearly two months, but trainer Bob Young said he had planned it that way.

"We're trying to spread [his races] out a little bit more," said Young. "He ran good the last time doing that, so we'll see what he does this time. He's had a month between them this time, and I'm kind of anxious to see how he runs."

Eldon's Effort, a winner of 3 of 5 starts, will break from the rail under Shane Romero.

"He's got speed, so he should lay somewhere close to the front end of it, I would think," said Young.

Sir Five Star cuts back to one turn after finishing third in the $150,000 Jean Lafitte at Delta. One start earlier, he won a stakes over six furlongs.

"Right now, that's his best distance," said trainer Scott Blasi.

John Jacinto has the mount on Sir Five Star.