(Friday, September 9, 2005) - For the second year in a row, the fastest qualifier in trials for the $351,900 Sam Houston Futurity (G1), returned to Sam Houston Race Park in fine form and captured the richest race of the 2005 American Quarter Horse Meeting. All American Winner, owned by Jason Eberle and Rosendo Guzman of Donna, Texas, was the fastest of the 102 horses entered in trials on August 26, completing his trial in :20.021.

In tonight's final Rider Rodrigo Vallejo got a good, clean break aboard All American Winner and exploded to the wire, improving his time in the 400-yard final to an impressive :19.79. This was the third Sam Houston Futurity victory for Vallejo who rode Azoom in last year’s edition of the Grade 1 stakes and Royal Shake Em in 1996.

The bay gelding bred in Texas by Deb Newenhouse was making his ninth career start. He has had some trouble in each of his previous futurities, finishing last in the Retama Park Futurity and running third in the in the TQHA Sires’ Cup Futurity on August 13, but was placed fifth after lugging in and causing interference. Tonight’s effort was extremely professional as he broke cleanly and won the Grade 1 stakes in gate-to-wire fashion. Trainer Alex Villarreal was relieved that his runner finally got an unblemished victory.

“I’m very happy with his performance tonight,” said Villarreal. “Our jockey did a tremendous job and I am very pleased for the owners. This is very rewarding as we have worked very hard with this horse; we always knew he could do it.”

“He’s a great horse,” said Vallejo. “I am pleased to have won my third Sam Houston Futurity with All American Winner.”

Silver Gol winner of the $355,849 TQHA Sale Futurity (RG1) on June 25, was sent off as the even-money favorite, but got bumped at the start and finished last.

“We didn’t get a good break,” said rider Carlos Madeira. “This horse got wiped at the start and we lost all chances. It was so disappointing because he stood so good in the gate; it was so unfortunate.”

Jess Genuine, a sorrel filly bred and owned by Bobby D. Cox was in pursuit of her fifth consecutive win for trainer John Buchanan. The daughter of Mr Jess Perry captured the Grade 1 Retama Park Futurity on June 19 and rallied for second tonight under regular rider Alex Baldillez, Jr.

"She left super; she just got pinballed,” said Buchanan. “Once she got straightened out, he (All American Winner) was already gone and she's small anyway. I'm tickled we ran second and I'm tickled with her. She's a game little horse. You know, we can't win 'em all. There were a lot of good horses and as far as I'm concerned, those horses were just a good of field as the All American was this year. We just got outrun tonight."

Sam Houston Race Park leading rider, James Brooks, guided 16-1 longshot Papa Larry to a third place finish for trainer Duane Hartsell.

"He got nervous in the gate,” commented Brooks. “He slipped up behind going out but he's ready for Lone Star. He's running in the Texas Classic and Dash For Cash Futurity."

All American Winner earned a career-best speed index of 100 in tonight’s victory. Dismissed by the betting public at 9-1, All American Winner paid $21.60 to win. Shavanna ran fourth followed by Primetime Dream, Austin On My Mind, Imazoomertoo, Ali the Great, Shazoomer and Silver Gol.

This was the fourth victory for All American Winner who collected $140,760 for the win. Villarreal indicated that All American Winner is paid into both the Dash for Cash and Texas Classic at Lone Star Park.