McWend gets up in time in Peppers Pride Handicap

McWend closed from next to last for a head win over Hennessy Express in the $85,000 Peppers Pride Handicap on Sunday at Sunland Park. It was another three-quarters of a length back to McGlorious in third.

The one-mile race was for fillies and mares bred in New Mexico.

McWend ($11) let the pace go as I'm a Dancin Who took the field through an opening quarter in 23.98 seconds and a half-mile in 47.16. McWend advanced, took the lead in the stretch, and held off a fast-closing Hennessy Express to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:37.61.

:: Shop for PPs, picks, DRF+ and more in our store!

Elvin Gonzalez was aboard for trainer Miguel Hernandez.

McWend is a daughter of McKenna's Justice who races for Judge Lanier Racing. She has won 3 of 10 starts and earned $138,740.