But planned logging of Vaquero-1 has been delayed by heavily gas-cut mud entering the wellbore from one or more of the show intervals in the open section of the hole between the last casing point (8,812 feet) and present depth of 11,000 feet.

While circulating and conditioning the well in preparation for a logging run, the well took a gas kick.

Current operations are to continue circulation to condition mud and control the well prior to running electric logs and setting a 7 5/8 inch liner in the well to the planned interim casing point of 11,000 feet.

So far the operator has logged four intervals, one of 10 feet, one of 60 feet and two intervals of 145 feet and 265 feet respectively.

FAR said the intervals are in the intermediate section of the wellbore and were not specifically targeted given the primary purpose of the well was to evaluate the deeper objectives within the pressured Middle Wilcox formation. Further evaluation of the shows to date is required prior to inferring any commercial significance.

The company said results from the logs are expected in the next 24 - 48 hours. Target depth is anticipated within approximately 10 days.

Once casing is run to 11,000 feet, the forward plan was to drill ahead to evaluate three deeper objectives between 12,000 and 13,500 feet, according to FAR.

The operator was preparing to set a 7 5/8 inch liner in the well.

Vaquero-1, is being drilled using Nabors Drilling Land Rig 520 and is being operated by Vaquero Oil and Gas of Houston, Texas.