Shining Source seeks repeat in Jamison Handicap

Last year, Shining Source rallied for second going a mile in the New Mexico Classic Cup at Zia Park, then came back with a late-running score going 6 1/2 furlongs in the Johnie L. Jamison Handicap at Sunland Park.

Shining Source again ran second in the New Mexico Classic Cup in November, and he has a good chance to repeat last year’s pattern and win the $85,000 Johnie Jamison on Saturday.

The Jamison, for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds and up, is the last of three stakes Saturday at Sunland. Carded as race 9, the Jamison is preceded by the $65,000 KLAQ Handicap (race 8) for 3-year-olds and up going five furlongs and the $85,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap (race 7) for statebred fillies and mares at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Very little separates most of the 10 horses in the Jamison. Shining Source, Blazing Navarone, Thunder Dome, and Go for a Stroll are likely to be at the back early. Hollywood Henry, Flying Rollex, Stormin the Jewels, and perhaps D E Lover will provide the speed.

Luis Contreras, who was aboard for both the New Mexico Classic Cup and the Jamison last year, takes over on Shining Source, who is trained by Blake Rust.

The New Mexico State Racing Commission may very well come down to the late-running pair of Bryn’s Fancy Pants and Explosive Spy. Bryn’s Fancy Pants came from last to win the New Mexico Classic Cup Distaff Sprint Championship on Nov. 4. She took advantage of a sub-44-second half-mile set by Saturday rival Waltzing Attila, and the early pace in the New Mexico State Racing Commission should be every bit as hot. Waltzing Attila, Fast Gator, and Susans Violette are confirmed front-runners who seem certain to compromise each other. Meanwhile, Explosive Spy might get the jump on Bryn’s Fancy Pants – as she did in stakes victories over the summer at Ruidoso and Albuquerque.

In the KLAQ, Hardcore Troubador takes a big drop in class. He should find much more success against this caliber than he did running fourth, beaten 2 3/4 lengths, behind the Southern California stakes sprinters St. Joe Bay, Richard’s Boy, and Distinctive B in an allowance race at Los Alamitos two weeks ago.