Wide rally propels Thunder Dome to Jamison victory

Thunder Dome rallied five wide into the stretch and drove to the front for a one-length victory in the $85,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap on Saturday at Sunland Park.

The 6 1/2-furlong race for New Mexico-breds was the last of three stakes on Saturday's card, preceded by the KLAQ Handicap (won by Hardcore Troubador) and the New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap (won by Susans Violette).

Thunder Dome, a 4-year-old son of Dome who is trained by Dallas Barton, was ridden to victory Saturday by Alfredo Juarez Jr. He returned $5.20. The final time was not available.

It was the sixth win in 11 starts this year for Thunder Dome, who has $529,263 in career earnings to date.

In the five-furlong, $65,000 KLAQ Handicap, Hardcore Troubador ($5) benefitted from a significant class drop, easily handling eight rivals for a 3 1/4-length victory in 56.18 seconds. The California-bred gelding by Roi Charmant had made all of his previous starts in his home state. Hardcore Troubador is trained and owned by Edward Freeman and was ridden Satuday by Ry Eikleberry.

Susans Violette got out to an early lead in the 5 1/2-furlong New Mexico Racing Commission Handicap and held on to win by a nose over Tijuana, who was well clear of third-place Pay as You Go in the field of 11 New Mexico-bred fillies and mares.

Susans Violette entered the $85,000 Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap off a victory Nov. 22 in the New Mexico Classic Cup Oaks at Zia Park. She is trained by Chip Woolley – who sent Mine That Bird out to upset the 2009 Kentucky Derby – and was ridden Saturday by Enrique Gomez. Woolley owns the daughter of Stellar Rain in partnership with Steven D. Stewart.

Susans Violette was timed in 1:03.51 and returned $11.