Chief Cicatriz faces comebacking Runaway Ghost in Ft. Bliss Stakes

Chief Cicatriz has been unbeatable in the Southwest sprint ranks in recent times, and on Saturday he will attempt to win his fourth consecutive stakes race in the $75,000 Ft. Bliss at Sunland Park.

The six-furlong Ft. Bliss also drew the comebacking Runaway Ghost, who won the race last year, and Raagheb, who won last year’s Winsham Lad at Sunland. The Ft. Bliss goes with a field of six older runners.

KEY CONTENDERS

Chief Cicatriz, by Munnings

Last 3 Beyers: 89-91-90

◗ He began his stakes streak at home at Turf Paradise, taking the Luke Kruytbosch on Nov. 9. Chief Cicatriz proceeded to capture the $100,000 Zia Park Sprint on Nov. 27, then the KLAQ Handicap on Dec. 28 at Sunland.

Chief Cicatriz was off for 2 1/2 months before the Luke Kruytbosch.

“He did have some little things we got under control,” said trainer Shawn Davis.

◗ Chief Cicatriz has worked sharply since the KLAQ, including a half-mile in a bullet 46.40 seconds Jan. 12 at Turf Paradise. He figures to be prominent from the start as usual on Saturday when he breaks from post 5 under Francisco Arrieta.

“He has such a high cruising speed,” Davis said. “Even though he doesn’t have to have the front, he’s got the ability to cruise at the highest speed and yet he’s got another gear when you need it.”

◗ Davis trains Chief Cicatriz for his breeder, Roy Gene Evans. The 7-year-old won the Grade 3 Aristides in 2018 at Churchill Downs.

Runaway Ghost, by Ghostzapper

Last 3 Beyers: 80-92-50

◗ This will be his first start since June, but he won last year’s Ft. Bliss off a longer layoff. Runaway Ghost comes off an eighth-place finish in the Grade 2 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs.

◗ Runaway Ghost shows a strong series of works for his return, including five-eighths in 57.80 seconds Jan. 11 at Sunland.

◗ Runaway Ghost recorded his biggest victory in the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Park Derby. Overall, he is 5 for 6 at Sunland.

◗ Elvin Gonzalez has the mount from post 2 for trainer Todd Fincher.

Raagheb, by Street Cry

Last 3 Beyers: 87-89-74

◗ Raagheb put in a strong closing run for second in the KLAQ and gets more real estate Saturday with the move from five to six furlongs.

◗ Shane Laviolette has the mount from post 4 for trainer Justin Evans.