Sunland Park: El Paso Times gives Ramona's Wildcat an Oaks prep

Ramona’s Wildcat will be difficult to contain in the $50,000 El Paso Times at Sunland Park on Saturday if she runs back to her smashing debut. She is part of a seven-horse field in the race, which serves as a local stepping-stone to the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks.

The El Paso Times, which is for 3-year-old fillies, will be run over 6 1/2 furlongs. The field also includes Idling, a stakes winner at Turf Paradise; Belleofthebeach, a maiden winner at Woodbine; and Awesome Dama, a promising daughter of Corinthian.

Ramona’s Wildcat was an explosive winner of her only start, a maiden special weight at Sunland on Dec. 8. She led from start to finish, drawing out by 8 1/2 lengths. Ramona’s Wildcat earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 85, the best career Beyer in the El Paso Times field.

Ramona’s Wildcat drew the rail for Saturday and figures to be prominent under jockey Ry Eikleberry. David Wolochuk co-owns and trains the filly, a daughter of Wildcat Heir who sold for $125,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales auction of 2-year-olds in training last April.

Idling won the Arizona Juvenile Fillies in her most recent start Dec. 28. She is a half-sister to Table Mesa, a multiple stakes winner of $180,334. Belleofthebeach captured a $40,000 maiden-claiming sprint in Canada on Nov. 29.

◗ Jaycito, a Grade 1 winner at 2 now based in New Mexico, will add blinkers for the sixth race Saturday, a $40,000 optional claimer at a mile. He was third in the $50,000 Winsham Lad at Sunland in his last start Jan. 5. Eikleberry has the mount for Tony Pennington and trainer Justin Evans.