Solar Charge back on turf for Bucharest Stakes

Solar Charge is an accomplished horse as a 15-time winner, but it’s one of his recent defeats that makes him the horse to beat in Saturday night’s $50,000 Bucharest at Sam Houston Race Park. Solar Charge will be moving back to turf for the five-furlong race, and when last seen on grass, he was third behind graded stakes winners Gantry and Unbridled’s Note in an allowance at Fair Grounds.

The Bucharest, for 4-year-olds and up, is restricted to horses bred in Texas. It goes as the ninth race and is part of a pick four that has a guaranteed minimum pool of $20,000. The bet runs on races 7-10.

Sam Houston will have $1 admission, hot dogs, and soda Saturday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Solar Charge (Last 3 Beyers: 71-90-65)

◗ He was 52-1 in the Fair Grounds allowance Dec. 11, beaten a length after a troubled trip in which he was caught wide at the quarter pole. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 90, the best turf number in the Bucharest.

◗ Solar Charge last raced Jan. 17 and closed for third in the $50,000 Spirit of Texas at six furlongs on the main track at Sam Houston.

◗ Solar Charge could get a stalking trip behind Aces N Jacks and Meme Jo.

◗ Lindey Wade has the mount for trainer Ellen Williams.

Queenland (Last 3 Beyers: 76-54-79)

◗ A mare facing males, she’s getting a chance with Texas-breds for the first time on recent form after being based in Oklahoma.

◗ Queenland is a 13-time winner who boasts a 3-for-6 record over the turf course at Sam Houston.

◗ She won a pair of turf sprints against optional-claiming company at Remington in September.

◗ David Cabrera has the mount for trainer Mindy Willis.