Cajun Pepper remains undefeated

The undefeated Cajun Pepper responded to the biggest test of his career with a powerful effort, dominating Sunday's $161,331 at Sunland Park by four and a quarter lengths and running his career record to 5-for-5.

Voronin finished second in the six and a half furlong race, four and a half lengths clear of third-place finisher Leverage.

Cajun Pepper ($3.20), who was the 3-5 favorite, stalked pacesetter Railroad through an opening half-mile in 43.71 seconds. Cajun Pepper then took over and drew clear through the stretch, covering the distance in 1.15.15.

"I didn't really have to do much," said Alex Jimenez, who rode Cajun Pepper for trainer Ramon Gonzalez. "I tried to let him relax early, let him go at the three-eighths pole, and made sure he switched leads in the stretch. Today, he gave me another gear."

Cajun Pepper, whose other career stakes win came against Colorado-breds, earned $80,667 for the win, to improve his earnings to $112,242. He races for Eli Diamant and Harry Veruchi. In addition to the purse, Cajun Pepper won a berth into the $500,000 WinStar Derby at Sunland on April 2.