Sam Houston track report

Burnin' Memories, who upset Grade 3 winner Eagle Lake in the $50,000 San Jacinto on Nov. 15, is shooting for her third straight win Friday night in the sixth race at Sam Houston. The one-mile turf allowance for fillies and mares also drew stakes winners Showmetothevilla, Devout Sinner, Sound of Gold, Sarastorm, and Strawbailey.

Burnin' Memories was up for a neck win in the San Jacinto, catching 1-5 favorite and pacesetter Eagle Lake. Following that race, Burnin' Memories won a one-mile starter allowance on turf on Jan. 2. Trainer Danny Pish has given the mount to Ted Gondron.

The chief threat might be Strawbailey, who has won 8 of 22 starts. She won the $35,000 Ricks Memorial over Devout Sinner in September. Kevin Cogburn will ride Strawbailey, while Greg Schaefer has the mount on Devout Sinner.

* The $10,000 Big Buckin' Handicapping Contest will be held on Feb. 7. There is a $100 fee to enter, with the top 15 finishers receiving prize money. The player with the highest cumulative earnings from making $300 in mythical wagers on races from Oaklawn, Santa Anita, and Sam Houston will win the grand prize of $5,000.

The second-place finisher will earn $2,000; third-place, $1,000; fourth and fifth place, $500 each; and sixth through 15th, $100 each.

* Sam Houston, which is located near Reliant Stadium, site of Sunday's Super Bowl, will host a huge party for the game on Sunday. Although there will be no live racing, simulcasting will be available.