Brax gets it done

Brax overcame a troubled trip to win the $125,000 Pepsi Cola Handicap at Sunland Park. Bred, owned, and trained by Cliff Lambert Sr., Brax stalked the early pace in the six-furlong event for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds. He had to wait for room behind horses and then had to check again into the lane. He found a lane and closed well to get up for the neck win. Run Like Fire, the even-money favorite, looked like the winner when he surged to the lead midstretch but was caught by Brax in the final yards. Playingwithchimes rallied to be third in the field of 10.

Brax ($18.80), ridden by Casey Lambert, finished in 1:10.42.