Win puts Oro Blanco on path to Sunland Oaks

Under patient handling by leading rider Alejandro Medellin, Oro Blanco overcame a wide trip early before outdueling favored One for Jim down the stretch to capture Sunday's $50,000 Island Fashion Stakes at Sunland Park. Lady Hi Teck finished a distant third followed by Winter Mist. Previously unbeaten Cherry One suffered her first career defeat in four starts and reported home sixth in the one-mile event for 3-year-old fillies.

The winner is trained by Henry Dominguez for Everest Stables, which also owned multiple Grade 1 winner Island Fashion during her racing career. Oro Blanco ($7.20) picked up her second victory from eight starts and made her first start over conventional dirt a successful one. She covered the distance in 1:37.02 over a fast strip. The daughter of Hold for Gold, who is graded-stakes-placed, has now banked more than $107,000.

"We really wanted to win this race since the Everest Stables owned Island Fashion," Dominguez said after the race. "We thought the race would be a good prep for the Sunland Park Oaks."

The $200,000 Oaks will share the program with the $800,000 Sunland Derby and three other six-figure stakes events here on March 29.