Tijuana seeks breakthrough win in La Coneja

The $85,000 La Coneja on Sunday at Sunland Park could be a breakthrough race for Tijuana.

Tijuana, who has run second or third in eight stakes races, has a big shot to become a stakes winner in the six-furlong race for fillies and mares bred in New Mexico.

Tijuana was edged by a nose in the $85,000 New Mexico Racing Commission Handicap last out at Sunland Park, finishing in front of some of the same rivals she faces Sunday. In addition, the Beyer Speed Figure of 75 that Tijuana earned is one of the best last-race numbers in the La Coneja.

Others set to start Sunday include Bryn’s Fancy Pants, a five-time stakes winner; Fast Gator, a four-time stakes winner; Explosive Sky, a three-time stakes winner; and African Heat, a two-time stakes winner.

La Coneja (Race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Tijuana, by Devon Lane
Last 3 Beyers: 75-60-57

◗ She attended a quick pace on a “good” track in the New Mexico Racing Commission Handicap on Dec. 29. She ended up second to Susans Violette, who did not go back in La Coneja.

◗ Tijuana is returning to six furlongs off the 5 1/2-furlong start. She put up her best career Beyer Figure, an 82, at Sunday’s distance when winning an allowance at Zia Park.

◗ Tijuana is a six-time winner owned by Dale F. Taylor Racing.

◗ Santiago Gonzalez has the mount from post 2 for trainer Todd Fincher.

Bryn’s Fancy Pants, by Southwestern Heat
Last 3 Beyers: 59-78-54

◗ She exits a rare off-the-board finish, a sixth-place effort in the New Mexico Racing Commission. She was favored from post 11 and had a wide trip, finishing 5 1/2 lengths behind Susans Violette.

◗ The bit of added ground Bryn’s Fancy Pants picks up should suit her, as her last two wins came at six furlongs, one of them the $140,000 New Mexico Cup Distaff on Nov. 4 at Zia Park.

◗ Roimes Chirinos has the mount for Fincher.

African Heat, by Southwestern Heat
Last 3 Beyers: 80-62-70

◗ She owns the field’s best last-race Beyer, an 80 for her win in the $85,000 La Senora on Jan. 6 at Sunland. She won that six-furlong race in a blazing 1:08.90. The victory improved her career mark to 3 for 4.

◗ African Heat will be taking on older rivals for the first time in the La Coneja. There is one other 3-year-old in the race, McWend.

◗ Ry Eikleberry has the mount for trainer Henry Dominguez.