Pendleton turning into the real deal

Pendleton won his fourth straight race – all in New Mexico – last Sunday, when he rolled home by 14 1/2 lengths in the $75,000 San Juan County Commissioners at SunRay Park.

“He exceeded my expectations that day, that’s for sure,” said trainer Justin Evans.

Pendleton is now settled in at the Downs at Albuquerque, where he will be considered for at least two stakes during the upcoming meet, which opens June 28. Evans said Pendleton could run back in the $50,000 J.R. Malouff Handicap, a seven-furlong race July 13. The race would serve as a stepping-stone to the $200,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on Aug. 3.

Pendleton won at 1 1/8 miles in the San Juan County Commissioners, a three-turn race at SunRay. The victory came following wins in a Sunland allowance sprint March 24, the $48,000 Inaugural at 6 1/2 furlongs at SunRay on May 4, and a mile allowance by 12 3/4 lengths in SunRay track-record time May 19.

Pendleton races for William Tomasic and Susan Tomasic. Pendleton is a 5-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway and a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Mrs. McDougal. Pendleton had made one start and had been gelded before the Tomasics bought him. He has gone 7 for 9 for them.

Pendleton earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 94 for the San Juan County Commissioners, which was his first start beyond a mile.

“He was in front by 15 looking for more, with his ears pointed forward,” Evans said. “The things he’s showing now, he’s one of the best horses I’ve ever had.”

Evans said Pendleton will be considered for a trip to Del Mar later this summer, perhaps for the $85,000 Harry F. Brubaker at a mile on Aug. 21. The Tomasics are from California.

Evans is a perennial leading trainer in New Mexico. He will be based this summer at the Downs at Albuquerque.