That's Who makes rare sprint start in Johnie Jamison

That’s Who will be coming off a win in his division’s richest race on Sunday when he makes a rare start at one turn in the $85,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap at Sunland Park.

The 6 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up is one of two sprint stakes on the program. The $85,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap, for fillies and mares going six furlongs, is led by Zasha and Little Vidalia. Both races are restricted to horses bred in New Mexico.

That’s Who captured the $192,000 New Mexico Cup Classic at Zia Park in his most recent start Oct. 26. The race was run at a mile, and he stalked and won by three-quarters of a length to earn a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 85. The Jamison will be the first start at one turn for the 5-year-old That’s Who since he was 3.

“As a 2-year-old he sprinted, and as a 3-year-old, and he did well,” trainer Joel Marr said. “We haven’t tried it for quite some time, but he came out of the other race super so we’ll give it a shot.”

Johnie Jamison (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

That’s Who (Last 3 Beyers: 85-81-83)

◗ Marr said turning That’s Who back in distance is not ideal, but with the horse doing well the Jamison is the opportunity at hand for older runners bred in New Mexico.

“Six and a half [furlongs] is probably the shortest we would go,” he said. “I wouldn’t run him five and a half furlongs.”

◗ That’s Who ran a big race off the bench when winning the New Mexico Cup in his first start since July.

“He was very determined the last eighth of a mile to get past [the leader] and win,” said Marr.

◗ That’s Who will break from post 7 under Alfredo Juarez Jr.

“I think he can be placed off the first flight, and hopefully stay interested in the race then make a good run at them,” said Marr.

Beau Wizer (Last 3 Beyers: 81-69-79)

◗ He appears to be the one That’s Who will have to reel in as a speed horse who has a chance to shake free Sunday.

◗ Beau Wizer is a multiple winner at 870 yards, races in which he defeated Quarter Horses.

◗ He was third in a photo in the $176,000 New Mexico Cup Sprint at Zia in his most recent out Oct. 26.

◗ Ry Eikleberry has the mount for trainer Weston Martin.