Sunland Park
Sunland Park: Latenite Band wins duel
Eugene O'Neill/Coady Photography Latenite Band wins the $125,000 Red Hedeman Mile at Sunland Park on Sunday.
Latenite Band dueled for a head win over Matchstick Man in the $125,000 Red Hedeman Mile for 2-year-old New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back to Manolito in third.
Latenite Band ($15.40) raced close throughout and covered the one-mile distance in 1:39.05. Joe Martinez rode the winner for trainer Lorence Lucero, who registered his biggest career win in the race. It was the second stakes win for Latenite Band, who has now won 5 of 8 starts and $124,127.
Latenite Band is a half-brother to Latenite Special, a top New Mexico-bred filly who has won seven stakes and $367,283.