Red Lead scores by two lengths in Curribot

Red Lead proved he will be a nice fit against the handicap division this year in New Mexico, when he drove to a two-length win over Quiet Again in the $50,000 Curribot at Sunland Park on Sunday. It was another 3 1/4 lengths back in third to favorite Song of Navarone.

Red Lead ($5.20) stalked pacesetter Z Humor through an opening half-mile in 49 seconds, advanced from there and went on to cover 1 1/16 miles on a track rated fast in 1:44.

Ken Tohill rode the winner for Frontier Stables and trainer Chris Hartman.

Last year, Red Lead picked up checks in a series of derbies in the Southwest region and Iowa. He has made a nice transition to the handicap ranks in New Mexico, finishing second in the $50,000 Winsham Lad last month at Sunland, then winning the Curribot.

The Curribot was a prep for the meet's top race for older horses, the $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap.