Desert Gambler takes on winners in Enchantress

Desert Gambler is a maiden facing winners in the $85,000 Enchantress at Sunland Park on Sunday, but she still might go favored in the one-mile race for 2-year-old fillies bred in New Mexico. The stakes drew a field of nine, including leading contenders Muy Rapido, K B’s Last Danz, and Miss E Bar.

But the focus figures to be on Desert Gambler, who missed by a neck when facing males in the $150,000 Eddy County at Zia Park in her most recent start Nov. 26. For the effort, she earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 63, which is the best last-race number in the Enchantress.

Enchantress (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

Desert Gambler (Last 3 Beyers: 63-43-50)

* She was making her two-turn debut in the Eddy County and seemed to thrive with the added ground as she was prominent throughout when just edged in the mile race for New Mexico-breds that went in a solid 1:38.20.

* Desert Gambler has seen the maiden ranks just once in her seven-race career, finishing third in a maiden special weight at five-eighths of a mile at Ruidoso in July. She’s otherwise run in trial races or stakes, all in New Mexico.

*Alfredo Juarez Jr. has the mount for trainer Todd Fincher.

Muy Rapido (Last 3 Beyers: 58-57-62)

* She, too, faced males in her last start, when third in the Eddy County. Muy Rapido finished three lengths behind winner Liberty Lover.

* Muy Rapido is a two-time winner, taking a trial at Ruidoso in July and an allowance at Zia in September.

* For her score at Ruidoso, she earned what ranks as this field’s best Beyer, a 64.

* Enrique Gomez has the mount for trainer Johnnie Nall.

K B’s Last Danz (Last 3 Beyers:63-43-50)

* She is returning to the New Mexico-bred ranks after finishing second in an allowance against open-company rivals at Zia.

* K B’s Last Danz will be making her two-turn debut and after racing close to a quick pace last time, she could show the way in the Enchantress.

* K B’s Last Danz is a two-time winner, having won a maiden special weight this fall at Zia.

* Glen Murphy has the mount for trainer Greg Green.