Sunland: Attitude E Racer outruns favored stablemate in New Mexico State University Handicap

Attitude E Racer turned the tables on heavily favored stablemate On Down the Road to win Sunday’s $85,000 New Mexico State University Handicap for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

The 5-year-old Attitude E Racer had faded late in the Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap, allowing On Down the Road to turn a three-length deficit in the final furlong of the 1 1/16-mile race into a three-quarter-length victory on Dec. 30.

In last year’s New Mexico State University, On Down the Road finished second, three lengths in front of Attitude E Racer.

On Down the Road, the even-money favorite in a field of 10, was bidding for his fourth straight win, but racing for the first time in 2 1/2 months. Attitude E Racer was stretching out to a mile and 70 yards off a fourth-place finish in a six-furlong sprint on Jan. 31. Both horses are trained by Joel Marr, but raced uncoupled due to different ownership.

Attitude E Racer ($9.20), ridden by Ken Tohill, pressed the pace set by 27-1 outsider Groushy Apadana through a half-mile in 47.41 seconds. Attitude E Racer put his head in front after six furlongs in 1:12.50, took a half-length lead with a furlong remaining, and just held off 19-1 longshot Mr. Wizard by a neck to reach the wire first in 1:42.57. On Down the Road, who was in striking position in midstretch, had to settle for third, a half-length behind the runner-up and 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Groushy Apadana.

It was the third stakes win and fifth overall victory in 19 starts for Attitude E Racer, a son of Desert God owned by Michael Stinson.