Rising Giant scores in Albert Dominguez Handicap

Rising Giant became a stakes winner Saturday at Sunland Park, where he proved a half-length best over Streaks Bro in the $85,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap. It was another neck back in third to Song of Laura.

The Dominguez, for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles, was restricted to horses bred in New Mexico.

Rising Giant ($19) settled into a stalking position as Song of Laura was clear through fractions of 24.49 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.59 for the half-mile, and 1:12.92 for six furlongs. Rising Giant overtook Song of Laura and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:43.70.

Enrique Gomez was aboard for Judge Lanier Racing and trainer Simon Buechler.

Rising Giant earned $51,000 for the win, which was his ninth from 31 starts. He has now earned $164,324. Rising Giant is a 5-year-old by The Way Home and was bred by Larry Arnold and Byron Ritchie.