Sam Houston reports big business on Connally card

Sam Houston handled $2,534,779 from all sources on its 10-race Houston Ladies Classic-Connally Turf Cup program last Sunday, according to figures provided by the track. It was the second-highest handle in the six-year history of the meet’s richest program, behind $2,796,222 in 2017.

Betting on the Grade 3, $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic (won by Tiger Moth) and the Grade 3, $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup (won by Bigger Picture) reached record levels. Frank Hopf, senior director of racing operations for the track, said handle on the Houston Ladies Classic was $467,000 and betting on the Connally was $489,000. The Connally handle also was the highest for a Sam Houston race in more than 15 years, according to Hopf.

◗ First post Sunday at Oaklawn will be 1:05 p.m. Central, a half-hour earlier than usual, due to the Super Bowl.