Black Hills repeats the feat in Winsham Lad

Black Hills defended his title in the $50,000 Winsham Lad at Sunland Park on Saturday, when he closed from last for a half-length win over Red Lead. It was another 4 1/4 lengths back in third to favorite Imco Spirit.

Black Hills ($13.40) was making his second start since last year’s Winsham Lad on Saturday, and trailed the field early on as Schramsberg showed the way through an opening half-mile in 47 seconds. Black Hills began his bid approaching the three-eighths pole, and went on to cover the mile and 70 yards in 1:41.

Miguel Hernandez rode the winner for Class Racing Stable and trainer Bart Hone.

Black Hills returned from an extended layoff last month at Sunland, and was third in the allowance prep for the Winsham Lad. He has long been one of the top handicap horses in New Mexico and won his fifth stakes Saturday. Overall, he has won 9 of 20 starts and $381,080.