Ghost Is Clear seeks third straight win in Sam Houston Sprint Cup

Ghost Is Clear appears capable of adapting to whatever pace scenario might develop in Saturday night’s $50,000 Sam Houston Sprint Cup. He will be seeking his third straight win while taking on eight other older horses in the six-furlong race. The field includes Rise Up, the winner of the Grade 3 Delta Downs Jackpot in 2013, and Solar Charge, the third-place finisher in last year’s Sprint Cup.

Sam Houston Sprint Cup (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

Ghost Is Clear (Last 3 Beyers: 94-94-82)

◗ Ghost Is Clear invades from Turfway Park, where he has won his last two starts. The first came in an optional $50,000 claiming sprint, which he captured wire-to-wire Dec. 20. Ghost Is Clear then overcame a troubled start to close from well back in the Forego in his most recent out Jan. 17.

◗ Mike Maker trains Ghost Is Clear, who will attempt to give Maker his third stakes win of the Sam Houston meet. Maker has sent in shippers to win the Grade 3, $200,000 Connally Cup and the $50,000 Jersey Village at this meet.

Deshawn Parker has the mount on Ghost Is Clear from post 9, a draw that gives the meet’s leading rider options.

Rise Up (Last 3 Beyers: 91-87-85)

◗ He turned back from a mile last out and ran third in an optional $62,500 claiming sprint at Fair Grounds on Jan. 18. He could be even sharper in his second straight sprint start.

◗ Rise Up’s latest stakes win came in the $60,000 Woodchopper at a mile on the main track at Fair Grounds two races back Dec. 27.