Two-time G1 winner La Cala drew much attention in Saturday’s $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) held at Sam Houston Race Park but was ultimately overtaken by Whisper Hill Farm’s Perfect Shot. The 5-year-old filly Gun Runner, piloted by jockey Eric Asmussen, chased the favorite through a muddy track and surged past early leader Standout Sensation to claim her first stakes victory.
Under the guidance of trainer Steve Asmussen, Gun Runner secured a half-length win over Standout Sensation, marking Asmussen’s fifth consecutive win in races for older fillies and mares. Asmussen, recognized as the most successful trainer at Sam Houston and an All-American leader, previously won this event with Pauline’s Pearl in 2022 and 2023, Bellamore in 2024, and Recharge in 2025.
Yes It Tiz raced along the rail and finished third, while La Cala faded to fifth in a field of seven competitors.
Perfect Shot returned $24 on a 1 1/16 miles race completed in 1:46.09.
Previously, Perfect Shot placed fifth in the She’s All In stakes at Remington Park on December 20. The filly’s only other stakes runs were in 2024, finishing in the Silver Bullet Day (L) and Rachel Alexandra (G2) at the Fairgrounds.
This win improved Perfect Shot’s record to four wins, four seconds, and three thirds from 15 starts. The $176,400 winner’s purse boosted her career earnings to $559,534.
Bred by Sierra Farm in Kentucky, Perfect Shot is out of the Bodemeister mare Meister Legend and was bought for $285,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on January 25, 2026 and appeared first in the News section.
Fan Take:
This victory by Perfect Shot highlights the rising talent emerging in the filly and mare division, proving that dedicated breeding and training can produce breakthrough performances. For horse racing enthusiasts, such unexpected successes enrich the sport’s narrative and keep the competition thrilling year after year.
