Robertson to have presence at Sam Houston

Trainer Mac Robertson plans to have a division of horses at Sam Houston Race Park for the first time when the meet opens Jan. 10. Robertson said he was granted 16 stalls. He also will maintain a division at his longtime winter base of Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark.

Sam Houston has been able to increase purses for the upcoming meet due to favorable legislation in Texas. It’s drawn a number of new barns.

Robertson said he will be starting his first horses at Sam Houston.

“I think it will be a pretty competitive place – right time of year,” Robertson said, noting favorable weather in Texas. “It makes sense to me. It’s a good fit for some of my horses.”

Robertson is coming off his 13th training title at Canterbury Park. His top runners this season included the Minnesota track’s horse of the meet, Hot Shot Kid.

“It’s hard to win five stakes in one meet – he did,” Robertson said. “He’s real versatile, won running short, long, on the grass, in the mud. He can run.”

Robertson said Hot Shot Kid was given some time off after the meet and is due to arrive at Oaklawn in about a week.

Amy’s Challenge, another multiple stakes winner for the barn, was given time off following her third-place finish in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff in May at Churchill Downs. She is in training at Oaklawn.

“She’s ready to breeze,” Robertson said.

Robertson said Amy’s Challenge is being pointed to the $125,000 American Beauty on Feb. 1 at Oaklawn.