Citizen Geller wins Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap

Jockey Ry Eikleberry closed out a memorable weekend Sunday when he guided Citizen Geller to a three-quarter-length win in the $85,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap at Sunland Park. The score came a day after Eikleberry won four races at the track Saturday.

Tilla Cat, who was facing male rivals, finished second, while it was another half-length back to Big Hitter in third.

The Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap was a 4 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up bred in New Mexico.

Citizen Geller ($5.20) settled off pacesetter Weappear through an opening quarter in 21.57 seconds and a half-mile in 44.16 before going on to cover the distance on a fast track in 50.14.

Justin Evans trains the winner for UKUSA Stables.

Citizen Geller is a 6-year-old by Pro Prado. He has now won nine of 34 starts. The first-place check of $51,000 he earned Sunday pushed his career bankroll to $390,394. Last year, Citizen Geller won two stakes at the Downs at Albuquerque, the $70,000 Casey Darnell and the $70,000 O.D. McDonald.