Rapper S S back at favorite track

Rapper S S will be returning to one of his favorite tracks when he starts in the $50,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park. The 5 1/2-furlong race opens up the stakes program at the New Mexico meet, and it has drawn eight horses, including Happy Humor, who is seeking his third straight win, and Gentsfinishfirst, who last time out earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure for winning an allowance.

But no horse in the field has had more success at Sunland than Rapper S S. He is 4 for 4 locally, among his wins the $105,000 Riley Allison Futurity in 2007, and the $50,000 Budweiser Handicap in February.

"He seems to favor this racetrack," said Henry Dominguez, who trains Rapper S S. "It's a little bit sandier racetrack, and a little kinder on him."

Rapper S S enters the KLAQ off a runner-up finish in a $41,115 allowance sprint at Zia on Nov. 17. He set the pace in the six-furlong race before being overtaken by a length by Gentsfinishfirst.

"I think he's a little bit better going shorter," said Dominguez.

Dominguez said he also likes the outside draw for Rapper S S, who will break from

gate 7 after getting post 3 last out at Zia.

"He's a free-running horse and he likes to be out there . . . instead of being in tight with other horses," said Dominguez, who has given the mount to Alejandro Medellin.

Happy Humor, the winner of an allowance and the $35,000 Budweiser Special at the Downs at Albuquerque in his last two starts, will break from post 3 under Travis Wales.