Sunland Park: Gone to the Mountain sets world mark

Quarter Horse distance specialist Gone to the Mountain smashed the world record with a powerful win in last Sunday's Grade 3, $57,600 Red Cell New Mexico Challenge. Racing as the 1-2 favorite, Gone to the Mountain shot to the front early in the 870-yard event and was in total control en route to a seven-length win, stopping the timer in 43.02 seconds.

Also on Sunday, Austin Lights surged in midstretch to gain a commanding 3 1/2-length win in the $36,950 SPRC Claiming Series - Phase 3. Under a patient ride from Ken Tohill, the 6-5 favorite came through as advertised with a stirring stretch run for trainer Chris Hartman. Sunny Topper finished second, followed by Super Danny who had won the first two legs of the series.

* Mark It Famous sailed to a dominant 1 1/4-length win last Friday and set the top qualifying time for the Grade 1, $252,438 West Texas Futurity on April 19. Trainer Carl Draper qualified two runners for the Futurity. He enjoyed solid debut wins with Painted Runaway (8th race) and Corona for the Lady (10th race).