Fincher has three for Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap

Sunland Park will put on one of the shortest Thoroughbred stakes races in the country Sunday – the $85,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap. The 4 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up is restricted to horses bred in New Mexico.

“It’s a very rare distance for older horses to run,” trainer Todd Fincher said. “We’re going to take a shot. We’ve got three that are capable.”

Fincher will send out Big Hitter, Tilla Cat, and Way Nifty in the Mt. Cristo Rey, which drew eight horses including 123-pound highweight Citizen Geller.

Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

Tilla Cat, by Attila’s Storm
Last 3 Beyers: 69-70-50

◗ She is returning to the New Mexico-bred ranks off a third-place finish in the $65,000 Bold Ego Handicap on Dec. 31 at Sunland. She was part of a quick pace in the 5 1/2-furlong race, which went in a blazing 1:02.20.

“She’s in with the boys,” Fincher said. “It’s four and a half and she’s real speed.”

◗ Earlier in the meet, Tilla Cat won the New Mexico Racing Commission Handicap.

◗ Tracy Hebert has the mount from post 6.

Way Nifty, by The Way Home
Last 3 Beyers: 69-59-76

◗ He enters off a third-place finish in the $85,000 Johnie L. Jamison on Dec. 17 at Sunland. He set a quick pace in the 6 1/2-furlong race. He is 3 for 7 at at Sunland.

“He’s a huge horse, but he shows a lot of speed,” Fincher said.

◗ Jorge Carreno has the mount from post 7.

Big Hitter, by Roll Hennessy Roll
Last 3 Beyers: 58-78-65

◗ He is making his first start since Oct. 29, when he set a blazing pace and finished seventh in the $140,000 New Mexico Cup Derby at Zia. The race was run over six furlongs, and he ran the opening half-mile in 43.60 seconds. One start prior, Big Hitter won an allowance at Zia.

“He’s a fast horse,” Fincher said.

◗ Roimes Chirinos has the mount from post 3.

Citizen Geller, by Pro Prado
Last 3 Beyers: 66-82-86

◗ He’s won two stakes in his last four starts, the Casey Darnell and the O.D. McDonald, both at the Downs at Albuquerque.

◗ Citizen Geller enters the Mt. Cristo Rey off a fifth-place finish in the Johnie L. Jamison at Sunland.

◗ Ry Eikleberry has the mount from the rail for Sunland’s leading trainer, Justin Evans.