Sunland: Nuggets Please heads 1-2 finish for trainer Evans in Johnie Jamison Handicap

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Nuggets Please (5), a 14-1 shot ridden by Derek Bell, closes from last to take the Johnie Jamison Handicap.

Stable H. M. A. and trainer Justin Evans sent out the first two finishers in the $85,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap at Sunland Park on Sunday, when Nuggets Please closed for a 2 1/4-length win over Our Choice. The horses raced as separate betting interests. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third to Mostly Dust.

The Jamison was one of two New Mexico-bred stakes on the card. In the other, Rose’s Desert defended her title in the $85,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap.

Nuggets Please ($30.20) rallied from last to win the 6 1/2- furlong Johnie Jamison, while Our Choice closed from next-to-last for second. Derek Bell was aboard the winner, who covered the distance on a track rated fast in 1:17.30. Our Choice was the co-fourth choice in the race at 5-1.

In the New Mexico State Racing Commission for fillies and mares, Rose’s Desert ($2.60) raced in fifth early before surging to a five-length win over Gossip Dome. She covered the six furlongs in 1:11.02. Casey Lambert was aboard for Joe Peacock and trainer Todd Fincher.

Hennesey Smash, a winner of her last four starts, was scratched from the race Sunday.