Six familiar foes clash again in New Mexico State University Handicap
The $85,000 New Mexico State University Handicap at Sunland Park on Saturday will rematch six runners from the Jan. 16 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap.
Only one of the six has raced since the 1 1/16-mile Dominguez as the track was placed under a equine herpesvirus quarantine the next week and was forced to suspend racing from Jan. 23 to Feb. 25.
In the Dominguez, 7-2 favorite Song of Laura, who was stretching out in distance for the first time, opened up a clear early lead before being reeled in during the stretch run by eventual winner Rising Giant and then by runner-up Streaks Bro. Song of Laura was beaten three-quarters of a length.
Although he failed to last, Song of Laura rated nicely on the lead and should benefit from the experience. He will not have the lead to himself in the mile-and-70-yard New Mexico State University, however, as D E Lover and The Waki Rapper both have sprint speed and will be stretching out in distance.
Rising Giant carried 118 pounds and gave Song of Laura two pounds in the Dominguez. Rising Giant will pick up four pounds Saturday and give Song of Laura five pounds. Streaks Bro picks up five pounds and will carry 121, a pound less than Rising Giant and four more than Song of Laura.
New Mexico State University Handicap, Race 9
Key Contenders
Song of Laura, by Song of Navarone
Last 3 Beyers: 75-70-65
◗ If Song of Laura can sit off expected pacesetters D E Lover and The Waki Rapper early, he could get a nice stalking trip.
◗ Trained by Todd Fincher, Song of Laura has improved his Beyer Speed Figures in each of his last three races.
Streaks Bro, by Elijah’s Song
Last 3 Beyers: 84-75-67
◗ He was wider than Rising Giant on the far turn of the Dominguez but continued willingly to be gaining late while beaten a half-length.
◗ He returned to finish second at 18-1 in the Curribot Handicap on Feb. 28, earning a career-best 84 Beyer Speed Figure. The winner, Ole Winedrinker Who, is now a nine-time stakes winner and an earner of more than $670,000.
◗ May hold a fitness edge in this race with the Curribot under his belt.
Rising Giant, by The Way Home
Last 3 Beyers: 76-64-67
◗ He won five races last year while mostly facing claiming and starter-allowance company. He was claimed by trainer Simon Beuchler for $10,000 at Zia Park in November.
◗ He outran his 8-1 odds in the Dominguez despite being wide on both turns.