On Down the Road meets defending race winner Spinning Touch in Lineage Classic

On Down the Road has a knack for winning on the richest New Mexico-bred cards in the state. Back in 2012, he captured the $180,480 New Mexico Cup Classic at Zia Park. And more recently, On Down the Road accounted for the $50,000 Land of Enchantment during last month’s Zia Festival at Ruidoso Downs.

Now comes the $300,000 Lineage Day at the Downs at Albuquerque, and On Down the Road will be favored to win the card’s main event, the $60,000 Lineage Classic, over two-time defending race winner Spinning Touch.

The Lineage Classic, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles, is one of five New Mexico-bred stakes on the card. The others are sprints, and each is worth $60,000.

On Down the Road will lead a field of seven Saturday.

KEY CONTENDERS

On Down the Road (Last 3 Beyers: 82-74-78)

He will be making his second start since March. In his comeback race, On Down the Road overcame a wide trip to capture the Land of Enchantment on July 27.

On Down the Road has not finished worse than third in his last 15 starts. He will be making his first start in Albuquerque.

Carlos Madeira has the mount for Lisa Rehburg and trainer Joel Marr.

Spinning Touch (Last 3 Beyers: 49-59-56)

He is a horse-for-course as a three-time winner at Albuquerque, including the Lineage last year and in 2012.

Spinning Touch will be making his first start since April.

Gotta Move (Last 3 Beyers: 81-55-39)

He set a track record for seven furlongs in his last start at Albuquerque, lowering a mark that had been in place since 1969, according to the New Mexico Horse Breeders Association. Gotta Move won the Aug. 8 allowance in 1:20.93, breaking the mark of 1:21.

Eikleberry rides contenders

The owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and trainer Henry Dominguez have top contenders in a number of the undercard stakes Saturday. The horses will be ridden by Ry Eikleberry.

◗ In the Bank of Albuquerque for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs, the Dominguez trainee That’s the Idea has a recency edge on High Test Gal, a winner of two stakes in her last two starts who has not run since January.

◗ Dominguez will send out Lakehouse Fun in the Carlos Salazar, a race for fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs. She won the Lincoln Handicap for the Robisons last month at Ruidoso, and her tactical speed should again serve her well.