(Houston, Texas - Friday, March 25, 2011) - A record number of American Quarter Horse two-year-olds competed in 18 trials at Sam Houston Race Park in preparation for one of the premier races of the 2011 Quarter Horse Meeting, the $595,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G2).

The fastest qualifier was Special Royal Corona, a bay son of Corona Cartel, who won his 330-yard trial in a time of :16.891 under rider Cipriano Vidana. The colt was purchased for $50,000 at the 2010 Heritage Place Sale by Javier Lujan of Mission, Texas.

Trainer Felipe O. Garza was not surprised that he won at first asking.

“The way the horse is bred; we knew he was going to be good,” said Garza. “He showed his talent within the first 90 days we had him in training.”

Special Royal Corona will return for the final on April 9 to compete for a record purse of $595,000, the highest since $525,525 in 1994.

“He is paid into the Heritage Place, Ruidoso and Texas Classic futurities,” said Garza.

Skyy High Perry recorded the second fastest qualifying time, winning her trial in :16.909 for trainer Judd Kearl. Bred in Texas by her owner, James Cordell, Skyy High Perry was ridden by Rodrigo Vallejo.

$595,000 Sam Houston Futurity (G2)
Trials: Friday, March 25, 2011
Final: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Two-Year-Olds, 330 Yards

Track Record: Pies Power Play- :16.514 - July 5, 2002