Ancient Land up in time to win Four Rivers John Deere Stakes

Ancient Land was resilient along the rail to win his second straight stakes race in the $100,000 Four Rivers John Deere on Sunday at Sunland Park. He won by a half-length over a surging Franchise Tagged, while it was another three-quarters of a length back to Stormin Fast in third.

The Four Rivers, at six furlongs, was for 3-year-olds bred in New Mexico.

Ancient Land ($9.40) was cutting back in distance from a two-turn win in last month’s $145,000 Steve Prather at Zia Park. He was content to let the pace go, settling off fractions of 22.38 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.56 for the half-mile. Ancient Land advanced on the final turn, came between rivals into the stretch, struck the front then kept Franchise Tagged at bay. The winner covered the distance on a fast track in 1:11.16.

Luis Contreras was aboard for trainer Casey Lambert.

Ancient Land is a son of Monterey Jazz who races for the partnership of Martin Riley, D. Carroll, C. Scott and J. Howard. He has now won 4 of 9 starts and with the $60,000 first-place check Sunday pushed his career earnings to $169,921.