Sunland Park: Isn't He Clever too good in Riley Allison Futurity

Stalk ‘n roll. That’s the approach Isn’t He Clever took Friday in the $100,000 Riley Allison Futurity at Sunland Park.

Isn’t He Clever tracked the early leaders then drew out by 11 3/4 lengths in the Riley Allison Futurity, which served as a first look at some of the locals who could advance to next spring’s Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Park Derby.

Isn’t He Clever ($4) raced in third in the 6 1/2-furlong Riley Allison as Alsvid and Flame Broiled zipped through an opening quarter in 22.59 seconds. Isn’t He Clever advanced downs the backside, drew even with Alsvid through a half-mile in 45.17 seconds, then pushed past his rival in the stretch. He went on to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:15.10.

Alejandro Medellin was aboard Isn’t He Clever for owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and trainer Henry Dominguez. The win was the first in a stakes for the horse, a son of Smarty Jones who has now won 3 of 4 starts. His lone loss came in November, when he finished second by a half-length in the $100,000 Clever Trevor at Remington Park. Prior to that race, Isn’t He Clever won a maiden race and a first-level allowance at Zia Park.

Flame Broiled was second in the Riley Allison, finishing a neck in front of third-place finisher Alsvid.