Valhol takes Maxxam Gold Cup

Valhol recpatured his best form Saturday night when he held off a bid from runner-up Seainsky in the stretch and went on to win the $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup at Sam Houston Race Park by a length and a half. It was another two and a quarter lengths back in third to Ask The Lord.

Valhol($5.80) raced in third early in the mile and an eighth handicap while Tee Cat set fractions of 23.44 seconds for the opening quarter and 48.03 seconds for the half-mile mark. Valhol advanced on the final turn, and drove home, covering the distance over a fast track in 1:49.18.

Robby Albarado rode the winner for trainer Dallas Keen.

"Dallas had him right, and when I called on him at the top of the lane, he was full of run," said Albarado.

Valhol, a 7-year-old gelding, was making his second start back from surgery to remove a bone chip from his ankle. The Maxxam was his first win since he captured the $125,000 Whirlaway last February at Fair Grounds. He earned $60,000 on Saturday night, which improved his bankroll to $444,850. Valhol has now won 6 of 20 starts for owner Jim Jackson.

Jackson also raced Allen's Oop, who won the 2000 running of the Maxxam. Allen's Oop was trained by Keen.