Sam Houston sets Houston Ladies Classic for Jan. 28

Sam Houston has posted its stakes calendar for 2018, and the Grade 3, $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic is scheduled to anchor a card of six stakes worth a total of $825,000 on Jan. 28. The 1 1/16-mile race is for fillies and mares.

The card also will include the Grade 3, $200,000 Connally Turf. The race for 4-year-olds and up will be run over 1 1/2 miles on the grass. First post for the card is noon Central.

Other major stakes include the $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles. It will anchor a card of four stakes Feb. 24.

Sam Houston plans to introduce Wednesday afternoon racing in 2018.

Oaklawn names barn for Curlin

Oaklawn has constructed three new barns that will be functional for the meet that opens in January, and each structure bears the name of a significant horse who raced at the Hot Springs, Ark., track. One barn is named for Afleet Alex, another for Curlin, and a third for Paseana, according to Oaklawn spokeswoman Jennifer Hoyt.

Oaklawn has torn down the two barns closest to the track kitchen in the offseason and has converted that space into a parking lot. The track also has added 1,600 yards of material to its racing surface. Oaklawn opens for training Nov. 20.

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