Pendleton stretches out to preferred distance in Downs at Albuquerque Handicap

Pendleton will be stretching out to the distance of his most significant win Saturday night when he runs a mile and an eighth in the $200,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap.

The last time the horse raced at the distance he was a 14 1/2-length winner of the $75,000 San Juan County Commissioners, a three-turn race at SunRay Park on June 2. Pendleton led throughout and earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 94.

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“When he gets into that high cruising way of going and has it his own way, he’s deadly,” said trainer Justin Evans.

The Albuquerque Handicap drew six older horses – all stakes winners. Pendleton and Forevamo, who in November won the $150,000 Zia Park Championship at a mile and an eighth, are the 121-pound co-highweights. The field also includes Lookin At Lee, the runner-up in the 2017 Kentucky Derby and this year’s San Juan County Commissioners.

KEY CONTENDERS

Pendleton, by Giant’s Causeway

Last 3 Beyers: 84-94-92

◗ He had a four-race win streak snapped last out when he was caught nearing the wire in the $55,000 J.R. Malouff, a seven-furlong race July 13. The stakes was the local prep for the Albuquerque Handicap. Pendleton was beaten three-quarters of a length at 2-5.

“It was kind of my worse fear come true,” Evans said. “He was fresh. I hadn’t done a whole lot with him in between SunRay and here. He opened up and was gunned down late – got a little short on me late. With that race under his belt, it will be a different story. Hopefully, a replay of the SunRay race. It looks like he’s clear speed again.”

◗ Luis Contreras has the mount from post 4 for owners William and Susan Tomasic.

Bokeelia Island, by Medaglia d’Oro

Last 3 Beyers: 85-87-62

◗ He’s come to hand in recent months, winning an optional $25,000 claiming sprint over a field of stakes winners June 28 at Albuquerque, then notching his first stakes win July 13, when he closed from last to upset the Malouff.

“He’s done so good as a closing sprinter,” Evans said. “Now, we’ll try to stretch out. Sometimes it’s tough on them. It’s a worry because he’s running so good sprinting. That last quarter of a mile, it looks like he just jumped in at the quarter pole.”

◗ Evans said pedigree is one reason the move back to two turns makes sense. Bokeelia Island is a half-brother to multiple Grade 1 winners Point of Entry and Pine Island.

◗ Miguel Perez has the mount from post 2.