Witt Six seeks first statebred stakes victory in Star of Texas

Witt Six has won a half-dozen stakes races, but none against his fellow Texas-breds. That could change Tuesday on the closing-day card at Sam Houston, where Witt Six will vie for favoritism in the $50,000 Star of Texas.

The Star of Texas is a one-mile race for 4-year-olds and up bred in the state and caps a series of seven Texas Champions stakes that have been run at Sam Houston since Friday. The stakes, which are traditionally run over a weekend in January, were postponed this year due to the equine herpesvirus outbreak in Louisiana.

The Star of Texas has a field of six, including F J Uncle Vic, a two-time winner of the race, and Spider’s Alibi, the first foal from the popular mare Miss Missile.

Sam Houston closes out its meet with an 11-race card and some movement on the Texas legislative front. The Texas Horsemen’s Partnership and the Texas Thoroughbred Association have announced that five bills have been filed to help the racing industry in the state, among them one that seeks to legalize account wagering, and another that looks to set up a purse matching fund with the state.

In the Sam Houston standings, Iram Diego led all jockeys through Sunday, while Steve Asmussen sat atop the trainer standings and Jose Luis Espinoza had the advantage in the owner standings.

Star of Texas (Race 6)

KEY CONTENDERS

Witt Six, by Drums of Thunder

Last 3 Beyers: 81-78-70

◗ He will be making his third start off a layoff and returns to the Texas-bred ranks for the first time in a long while. In his most recent start, Witt Six finished sixth in the $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup on Feb. 25 at Sam Houston.

◗ Witt Six won three consecutive stakes at Assiniboia Downs in Canada last July through September.

◗ Witt Six is a winner over the main track at Sam Houston.

◗ Sasha Risenhoover has the mount from post 3 for Henry Witt Jr. and trainer Amanda Barton.

F J Uncle Vic, by Uncle Abbie

Last 3 Beyers: 80-79-63

◗ He, too, is returning to the Texas-bred ranks after facing open company. His last start came at Delta Downs, where he finished fifth in an optional $40,000 claiming race Jan. 7 that was won by Grade 3 winner Great Minds.

◗ F J Uncle Vic won the Star of Texas last year and in 2015.

◗ Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez has the mount for trainer Terry Eoff, who co-owns the horse with Johnny Evans.