Sam Houston: Mexican invader for Classic

Nowurtalkin, a Quarter Horse who has won 7 of 9 starts in Mexico, makes his U.S. debut Saturday in the Grade 2, $50,000 Sam Houston Classic. The 440-yard race will be held on a special daytime program that begins at 1 p.m. Central. It highlights the card at Sam Houston.

Nowurtalkin will be seeking his fourth consecutive win Saturday. He last raced on Jan. 21, and won a stakes over 350 yards. His two starts before that were wins at 440 yards. He is a 4-year-old who races for Jose Luis Salazar. Nowurtalkin will be making his first start for the meet’s leading trainer, Judd Kearl.

“I have only had him in my barn for 60 days,” Kearl said. “He won the Mexico version of the Champion of Champions. So far, he seems to be doing well.”

Rodrigo Vallejo has the mount on the horse, who will break from post 2.

Giorgino will be making his second start of the year after missing by a head in the Grade 1 Texas Challenge Championship at Sam Houston on April 14.