Competitive Idea, Lemon Drop Gold win Saturday stakes at Sunland
Competitive Idea was always prominent for a length and a half win over stablemate Mr Paytience in the $65,000 KLAQ Handicap on Saturday at Sunland Park. The race shared a card with the $100,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap won by Lemon Drop Gold.
The races were the first stakes of the Sunland meet, which opened on Friday.
Competitive Idea ($4.20) was winning his first stakes in the KLAQ, one start after being disqualified from first in the $75,000 Zia Park Sprint. He raced with fractions of 23.24 seconds for the opening quarter and 47.49 for the half-mile before finishing the five furlongs on a good, sealed track in 1:00.26.
Luis Negron was aboard for trainer Bart Hone, who also conditions Mr Paytience.
Competitive Idea is a son of Competitive Edge who races for The Luxury Group Racing and Mike Luciano. The horse has now won 4 of 17 starts and earned $181,138.
Mighty Mischief was scratched from the KLAQ.
Lemon Drop Gold ($30.80) rallied for a three and a half length win over Mindofmyown in the New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap. Lemon Drop Gold covered the five and a half furlongs for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares in 1:07.29. The good track was sealed.
Frank Reyes rode the winner for trainer Juan C. Gonzalez.
Lemon Drop Gold is a daughter of Mr. Gold Mover who races for Paul Jenson. She has now won 3 of 6 starts and earned $92,854.