Jrc Callas First tries to overcome rail in Texas Challenge Championship

Jrc Callas First, the world champion Quarter Horse of 2014, will break from the rail Saturday night in the Grade 2, $112,230 Texas Challenge Championship at Sam Houston. The 440-yard race for Quarter Horses is one of two regional qualifiers for the Challenge Championships. The Grade 2, $100,000 New Mexico Challenge will be run Saturday at Sunland Park.

Jrc Callas First won seven straight races during his championship campaign in 2014, including the Grade 1 Refrigerator at Lone Star Park and the Grade 1 Zia Park Distance Championship. The streak began in an overnight race at Sam Houston.

Jrc Callas First was back at Sam Houston for his most recent start March 25, winning a trial for the Texas Challenge Championship. He took the field box to wire for a three-quarters of a length score over Ojo de Rey, who also returns on Saturday. Trainer Brian Stroud was pleased with the effort from Jrc Callas First.

“He needed the out and came back really well,” Stroud told officials with Sam Houston. “I was a little concerned drawing the rail. Last time he ran from that post was in a 550-yard stakes at Retama. He won, but it might be tougher at 440 yards.”

Others set to start include Stimulus, who was beaten a neck by Jrc Callas First in the Zia Park Championship in 2014. In more recent times, Stimulus has raced at Sam Houston, finishing second in his trial on March 25. Jessies First Down won that race by 1 1/2 lengths to set the fastest qualifying time for the finale, and will be seeking to make it three in a row Saturday.

“This is a great field, and many are proven at 440 yards,” Ted G. Abrams Sr., who owns Jessies First Down, told officials with Sam Houston. “If he gets away like he can, he will be tough to beat. Plus, I fully expect the winner will set a new track record.”

Mr Eye Opener Too will be one of the top contenders in the New Mexico Challenge, after winning an optional $40,000 claimer at Sunland in his last start Jan. 10. He also is a four-time winner facing some less-experienced rivals Saturday.

Streakin Zoomer will be cutting back to 440 yards after racing 870 yards on a regular basis. He is making his first start since October.