Isn’t He Clever seeks repeat in Downs at Albuquerque Handicap

Isn’t He Clever ran one of the best races of his career winning last year’s Downs at Albuquerque Handicap. He’s back to defend his title in the 1 1/8-mile race on Saturday.

With a purse of $150,000 it is the meet’s richest offering and drew an accomplished field of eight, including Grade 3 winners Texas Air and Embellishing Bob, as well as New Mexico stalwarts Ol Winedrinker Who and Rebranded.

The Downs at Albuquerque Handicap was worth $100,000 a year ago, when Isn’t He Clever won in a track-record time of 1:48.13. It was the horse’s first start over the local oval, and he has been working forwardly at Albuquerque for Saturday’s race, which will be his second at the track.

“Everything is going really good with him,” said Henry Dominguez, who trains Isn’t He Clever. “He’s training up to the race well. We’re expecting a good race out of him.”

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Downs at Albuquerque Handicap, Race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

Isn’t He Clever (Last 3 Beyers: 88-86-91)

◗ He wired the field in this race last year, when he won by 2 1/2 lengths under Enrique Gomez. Gomez will be aboard again Saturday, from post 2.

“I don’t know how the race will set up,” Dominguez said. “There is some speed in there. He doesn’t necessarily have to be on the lead. He’s won a lot of his races sitting right off the leaders. He’s a tactical horse.”

◗ Isn’t He Clever will be seeking his 10th stakes win, with some of his most notable victories coming in New Mexico, including the $159,000 Zia Park Distance Championship last November.

“He likes racing in New Mexico,” Dominguez said. “He loves the dirt out here.”

◗ Isn’t He Clever is a winner of 12 of 28 starts and $880,755. He is a 6-year-old by Smarty Jones.

◗ The Downs at Albuquerque Handicap will be Isn’t He Clever’s first start since running second in the $75,000 Sunland Park Handicap on April 12.

◗ He is weighted at 122 pounds, with Texas Air the highweight at 123.

Texas Air (Last 3 Beyers: 94-93-82)

◗ He closed well to win the $200,000 Texas Mile in his last start May 1 at Lone Star Park.

◗ Texas Air was entered in last month’s Grade 3, $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap, but was scratched from the race, which was run following a heavy rain storm.

◗ Quincy Hamilton has the mount for trainer Allen Milligan.