Sunland Park: Lots of speed signed up for KLAQ Handicap

There is no shortage of speed in the $50,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park on Saturday, a scenario that could benefit either City Sage or Homerun Berti. Both horses are quick in their own right but seem capable of bidding from off the pace.

The field of eight also includes Wiredfortwotwenty, the winner of last year’s $125,000 Iowa Sprint at Prairie Meadows.

The KLAQ is for 3-year-olds and up at 5 1/2 furlongs and is the first stakes of the meet at Sunland.

Homerun Berti is the 121-pound highweight and probable favorite after winning the $55,000 Lea County at Zia Park by four lengths Nov. 13. He pressed a quick pace and went on to cover the 5 1/2 furlongs in a blazing 1:01.60. For the effort, he earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 91.

Homerun Berti will break from post 5 and could get a stalking trip behind Roll On Diego, who gets the rail after wiring his rivals in a 4 1/2-furlong allowance at SunRay Park; Mi Baires, who defeated Quarter Horses last out in an 870-yard race at Zia Park; and Rocky’s High and Ize in Command, who both enter off wire-to-wire wins at tracks in New Mexico.

Ry Eikleberry has the mount on Homerun Berti for SEJ Stables and trainer Justin Evans.

City Sage closed from last for second in the Lea County, one start after tracking the pace en route to an allowance win at Zia Park. Enrique Gomez has the mount for William Sims and trainer Jon Arnett.