Ancient Land will cover less ground in Four Rivers John Deere
Ancient Land will attempt to win his second straight stakes race on Sunday, when he cuts back to one turn for the $100,000 Four Rivers John Deere at Sunland Park.
The Four Rivers, at six furlongs, is for 3-year-olds bred in New Mexico. A field of 11 has signed on, including fellow stakes winner Shame On Powers and the promising runners On a Warpath and Franchise Tagged.
Ancient Land defeated a number of his Sunday rivals in the $145,000 Steve Prather at Zia Park on Dec. 9. He rallied for a 1 1/4-length win in the one mile and 70-yard race.
“I know three-quarters is harder for him than going two turns,” said Casey Lambert, who trains Ancient Land. “I think he’s capable.”
KEY CONTENDERS
Ancient Land, by Monterey Jazz
Last 3 Beyers: 48-48-43
◗ He was making his two-turn debut in the Steve Prather and stalked the pace before going on to defeat 10 rivals. The effort came one start after he closed for second, beaten a head, in a six-furlong allowance Nov. 27 at Zia.
“We knew he would like to route the way he trained all along,” Lambert said. “It was the first time we got to run him a mile. The race before, one more jump and he wins.”
◗ Ancient Land won two other races last year at 2, both over 5 1/2 furlongs at Ruidoso Downs. The first was a maiden special eight by eight lengths June 28 and the second was a one-length trial win on Aug. 10.
◗ Luis Contreras has the mount Sunday from post 3.
“Hopefully, he gets a good trip,” Lambert said. “He’ll be closing.”
On a Warpath, by Indian Firewater
Last 3 Beyers: 45-49-64
◗ He made his two-turn debut in the Steve Prather and finished fourth, beaten two lengths by Ancient Land. One start prior, On a Warpath defeated that one in the Zia allowance on Nov. 27.
◗ On a Warpath, who is trained by Joel Marr, won his maiden in his debut Sept. 23 at Zia Park. He then ran second by a head in the track’s $145,000 New Mexico Cup Juvenile before the allowance win and subsequent start in the Prather.
◗ Miguel Fuentes Jr., the horse’s regular rider, has the mount from post 6.
