(Saturday, August 23, 2003) - Go You Must powered past her nine rivals in commanding fashion, capturing tonight’s feature race at Sam Houston Race Park, the $20,250 Bluebonnet Stakes. The 4-year-old mare is owned and bred by Bullard Farms, Stan Marek of Houston and Dr. Tom Bullard of Weatherford, Texas. John Buchanan trains and rider Juan Vazquez was in the irons, crossing the wire of the 440-yard race in a time of :21.904.

This was the first stakes win for the daughter of Meter Me Gone, and capped a terrific weekend for Buchanan and Vazquez. The duo were in the winner’s circle earlier tonight with Prime Talent, the fastest qualifier in trials for the $98,000 Sam Houston Derby. In addition to Prime Talent, Buchanan and Vazquez qualified Snow Warning and Red Dog Leader for the Sam Houston Derby and Ima Perry Girl, Graford and Abominable for the $300,000 Sam Houston Futurity.

"Good horses and good owners; that’s what makes it happen," commented Buchanan on his winning streak. "This filly is a little bit moody. She didn’t race as a 2-year-old because she was growing too fast and had a few minor problems. She’s become really good and when we run her about a month apart, she runs well. This (distance) 440 is what she likes."

Jt Joy Ride, a 5-year old daughter of Streakin La Jolla, shipped in from Louisiana for trainer James K. Vance. Rider Kim McIntosh was pleased with her effort.

"She got a great break and was on the lead for a long way," said McIntosh. "That other horse just outran us. I was happy when I saw that we drew that outside and knew that we had a great chance. She had a perfect trip, gave me everything she had, but just got outrun. She did a great job."

Post time favorite, Diamonds For Toni, stumbled out of the gate, but still rallied for third under John Hamilton.

"She tried to make a big run," said Hamilton. "She was standing good, then she shuffled her feet around. I think they caught her with her feet sprawled out and it caused her to go down. I thought I might still get the better part of it, then she just switched gears on me."

Go You Must, sent off at 4-1, paid $10.20 to win, $3.80 to place and $2.80 to show. The 5-1exacta returned $33.40 and the 5-1-9 trifecta paid $122.80. Rg Sheza Trendy Lady, Perfect Patch, Jess Dreaming, Countin On Jody, Queens And Sixes, Memories Formicha and Jt Valedectorian completed the field.