Pyro springs surprise in Sam Houston Classic

Pyro upset Quarter Horse world champion Jrc Callas First in Saturday night’s Grade 2, $50,000 Sam Houston Classic, winning by 1 3/4 lengths in the race in which Jrc Callas First finished third. The Sam Houston Classic was the season debut for Jrc Callas First, whose 8-for-10 record last year contributed to his being voted in for his sport’s highest honor.

Pyro ($24.40) led throughout the Sam Houston Classic, covering 440 yards on a track rated fast in 21.78 seconds. Mister Big finished second, a head in front of Jrc Callas First. Jrc Callas First was making his first start since December.

“He was closing well,” Jrc Callas First’s trainer Brian Stroud told officials with Sam Houston. “I don’t have any excuses for him tonight. The winner has been running this year. This was our first out.”

Luis Guerrero was aboard Pyro for trainer Leslie Padilla.

“He’s a very good horse,” Guerrero said of Pyro. “Every time I have ridden him he comes out to run, even when he’s running against really tough horses.”

Pyro races for Kathleen O. Matey, who said the horse could now get some time off.

Jrc Callas First could develop into a candidate for the Grade 1, $250,000 Remington Park Invitational later this month, Stroud indicated prior to the Sam Houston Classic.