-photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photo


-photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photo


-photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photo


-photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photo

Houston, Texas (September 6, 2003) - Jack Zee Quick, the fastest qualifier in trials for the $300,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G1) returned to Sam Houston Race Park in fine form and captured the richest race of the 2003 American Quarter Horse meeting.

Trained by Ronald Gilmer, the 2-year-old son of Royal Quick Dash is bred and owned by Dallas Blakely and R.P. Stuart of Fort Worth, Texas. He has run first or second in his last four races and closed powerfully in tonight’s final, crossing the wire of the 440-yard stakes in a time of :20.130 with rider Nickey Laws aboard.

The field was reduced to just eight as No Fees and Graford were unable to compete due to injuries. That did not benefit Jack Zee Quick as he was bumped from both sides at the break and was in sixth position at the first call. However, Laws steadied the talented bay colt and he finished brilliantly, besting Ima Perry Girl by 1 ½ lengths.

"He just gutted it out tonight," said Laws. "I knew he was the best horse in the trials and was glad we could get the job done tonight."

"Tonight he was fantastic," said Gilmer describing Jack Zee Quick’s behavior in the saddling paddock. "We’ve had a real good crew behind this win. We have super owners and a super jockey. Nickey gave this horse a fantastic ride. I’m proud of everyone."

Ima Perry Girl, one of the two qualifiers saddled by trainer John Buchanan, ran second. The sorrel filly is owned by Sylvia Shaw Pittman and was the second fastest qualifier in trials run on August 22. Rider Juan Vazquez had to steady the daughter of Mr Jess Perry as she was also bumped at the break.

"There are a lot of crazy horses out there," commented Vazquez. "One of the other horses bumped us out to the outside. If she had a clean run, then I believe she would have won this race."

Trainer Paul Ramirez’s Snow Me The Money was third by a neck with rider Saul Ramirez, Jr. in the irons.
"I got bumped a little," said Ramirez. "He was still in the lead half-way through the race. He just got beat at the end. He ran a good race."

Jack Zee Quick earned $120,000 for tonight’s victory. He was sent off as the post time favorite and returned $4.60 to win, $2,80 to place and $2.60 to show. The 4-1 exacta paid $9.00 and the 4-1-5 trifecta paid $23.60. Toast The Effort, Silver Ease, Mr Ottyes, Gift In Cash and Abominable completed the order of finish.

Blakely and Gilmer indicated that Jack Zee Quick would be shipped to Lone Star Park to compete in the Dash For Cash Futurity.