Win over track gives Thunder Dome edge in Casey Darnell

With a stakes win over the track, Thunder Dome could go favored in the $70,000 Casey Darnell on Saturday at the Downs at Albuquerque. The Darnell is a 5 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up bred in New Mexico.

Among Thunder Dome’s 11 opponents are six-time stakes winner D E Lover and four-time stakes winner Stormin the Jewels; Weappear, who defeated Quarter Horses in the Zia 870-yard Championship two races back at Ruidoso Downs; War Wounds, who bested a handful of these last out, including Stormin the Jewels; and the stakes winners Mr. Mooch and Raider Red.

The stakes is named for the late breeder, owner, and trainer of both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses who was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2009.

KEY CONTENDERS

Thunder Dome, by Dome
Last 3 Beyers: 76-84-68

◗ He was second by a neck last out in the $50,000 Land of Enchantment, a 7 1/2-furlong stakes July 29 at Ruidoso Downs. The winner of the race has returned to capture an optional $20,000 claiming race at Ruidoso, and the fourth-place finisher won a $15,000 claiming race at Ruidoso.

◗ The last time Thunder Dome raced at one turn he won going seven furlongs in the $70,000 O.D. McDonald on June 30 at Albuquerque.

◗ Alfredo Juarez Jr. has the mount from post 4 for trainer Dallas Barton.

D E Lover, by So Long Birdie
Last 3 Beyers: 76-59-66

◗ All of his starts since March have come at the 5 1/2-furlong distance.

◗ D E Lover exits a third-place finish in the $25,000 Attila’s Storm, which went in a blazing 1:02.55 on Sept. 1 at Ruidoso. D E Lover was part of the pace.

◗ Martin Bourdieu has the mount from post 8 for trainer Tony Sedillo.

Stormin the Jewels, by Attila’s Storm
Last 3 Beyers: 67-40-63

◗ He will be out to turn the tables on War Wounds after finishing second by a length to that rival in an optional $25,000 claiming sprint at 5 1/2 furlongs Sept. 1 at Albuquerque.

◗ Stormin the Jewels has two wins and four seconds in his seven starts here.

◗ Jansen Melancon has the mount from post 3 for trainer Fred Danley.