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The first Sunday of 2026 at Sunland Park offers a compelling nine-race card highlighted by two black-type events: the KLAQ Handicap for open company sprinters and the New Mexico State Racing Commission Stakes for state-bred fillies and mares. Both features are sprint contests that will test raw speed and tactical positioning on the fast Sunland dirt. The card begins at 12:25 PM MT.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Sunland Park calls for typical high-desert winter conditions. Expect clear skies with temperatures hovering in the mid-50s during the races. The track surface is expected to be Fast. Historically, the dirt oval at Sunland Park favors early speed, particularly in sprint races at 5 and 5 1/2 furlongs. The rail can be a significant advantage, and horses who can secure inside position without being hard-used often outperform their odds. Handicap with a bias toward horses who possess high early fractional speed.
Race 1
Post Time
12:25 PM MT
Pace Analysis
In this 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight event for 3-year-olds, the pace should be honest but likely inexperienced. With young horses, the break is critical. Expect One Horse Town and Champagne Lane to vie for the early lead.
Key Contenders
Champagne Lane (3) enters this spot with a significant fitness edge, having raced recently on December 16 at Zia Park. That recent tighten-up effort makes this gelding a logical focal point. Trainer Justin Evans is a high-percentage conditioner at this circuit, and securing Luis Valenzuela for the mount signals intent.
One Horse Town (6) hails from the Casey Lambert barn, a stable that consistently produces ready-to-run young horses. Drawing the outside post in a six-horse field allows Oscar Andrade Jr. to watch the break and make a tactical decision to send or sit.
Secondary Choices
Final Trial (1) draws the rail, which can be tricky for a young horse if they don't break sharply. However, having veteran rider Alfredo Juarez Jr. aboard is a major plus. If he breaks clean, he could save all the ground and be a threat late.
Longshots
Lion Throne (4) is a wild card here. Without significant recent form on the scratch watch to signal readiness, he will need to improve markedly to challenge the top two choices.
Betting Strategy
Focus on Champagne Lane to win, as the recent race experience is often the deciding factor in maiden events this early in the year. An exacta box with One Horse Town is a prudent play.
Selections
Champagne Lane
One Horse Town
Final Trial
Race 2
Post Time
12:51 PM MT
Pace Analysis
This 6 1/2-furlong starter optional claimer features older horses with established styles. We Need Marketing from the rail has speed, but Tsunami Gold also possesses tactical foot. The pace should be moderate, giving an advantage to those near the front.
Key Contenders
Good Lovin (5) represents the potent Justin Evans stable. This 5-year-old gelding fits well at this class level and has the tactical speed to sit just off the leaders. Evans' runners often excel in these middle-distance sprints.
We Need Marketing (1) draws the rail and will likely be sent hard to utilize that position. If he can clear the field or secure the pocket, he becomes very dangerous on this speed-favoring surface.
Secondary Choices
Vinniebob (2) gives trainer Filiberto Quiroz a strong 1-2 punch in this race alongside We Need Marketing. Vinniebob may sit further back and look to pick up the pieces if the pace heats up.
Longshots
Dennard (8) is an 8-year-old veteran who has seen it all. While he may have lost a step of elite speed, his experience makes him a candidate to hit the board at a price if the race falls apart late.
Betting Strategy
A win bet on Good Lovin is the primary play. Consider an exacta keying Good Lovin over We Need Marketing and Vinniebob.
Selections
Good Lovin
We Need Marketing
Vinniebob
Race 3
Post Time
01:17 PM MT
Pace Analysis
At the frantic 4 1/2-furlong distance, the start is everything. Attila's Boy and French Onion should both show plenty of zip. This distance rarely allows for deep closers to make an impact unless the leaders completely collapse.
Key Contenders
French Onion (2) has recent activity, having run on December 8 at Turf Paradise. That recency is a positive indicator of fitness compared to layoff runners. Trainer Juan Pablo Silva is aggressive with his spots, and this looks like a well-meant entry.
Attila's Boy (5) has the speed to be competitive at this short distance. Drawing outside the likely other speed horses gives his rider options.
Secondary Choices
Desert Danger (1) is a 9-year-old veteran. While the rail is good, at 4 1/2 furlongs, if he doesn't break running, he will be swallowed up. However, his back class is respectable for this level.
Longshots
Diamond Rapper (4) will likely be a price and could clunk up for third or fourth if the pace melts down, but winning at this distance requires a sharpness he hasn't shown consistently.
Betting Strategy
Speed kills at 4 1/2 furlongs. Bet French Onion to win, capitalizing on his recent fitness foundation.
Selections
French Onion
Attila's Boy
Desert Danger
Race 4
Post Time
01:43 PM MT
Pace Analysis
This 6 1/2-furlong maiden race for NM-breds features several horses with recent form. Gimme a Who and Private Equity are likely to show initiative.
Key Contenders
Private Equity (6) comes from the barn of Todd Fincher, the premier trainer for New Mexico-breds. Drawing the outside post is perfect for a stalking trip, keeping him in the clear and out of traffic trouble.
Shiny Shores (5) has been active, racing on December 13 at Zia Park. That race should have him tight for this effort. While he is still a maiden, the recent conditioning edge is significant in this field.
Secondary Choices
Gimme a Who (1) hails from Joel Marr's stable, another top outfit. The rail draw demands a good break, but the connections command respect.
Longshots
Rail Runner (3) is a 5-year-old maiden facing younger rivals. He will need a career-best effort to upset the Fincher and Marr trainees.
Betting Strategy
Todd Fincher with NM-breds is a high-percentage angle. Win bet on Private Equity.
Selections
Private Equity
Shiny Shores
Gimme a Who
Race 5
Post Time
02:09 PM MT
Pace Analysis
A low-level claiming event at 6 1/2 furlongs. Third Street and Free Again appear to be the class of the field. The pace should be contested, with several horses needing the lead to have a chance.
Key Contenders
Third Street (5) is the selection. Another Justin Evans trainee, he gets a favorable draw and has the class to handle this field. Evans does well dropping horses into winning spots.
Free Again (4) is conditioned by Todd Fincher. It is rare to see Fincher runners at this bottom claiming level, which suggests the horse is being spotted to win immediately.
Secondary Choices
Blazing to Gold (6) gets Luis Negron, a capable rider who can get the most out of limited stock.
Betting Strategy
This feels like a match race between the two powerhouse barns. Exacta Box Third Street and Free Again.
Selections
Third Street
Free Again
Blazing to Gold
Race 6
Post Time
02:37 PM MT
Pace Analysis
Fillies and mares go 6 1/2 furlongs. Snow Flurry and Shopping Accident look to be the primary players.
Key Contenders
Shopping Accident (2) runs for Dick Cappellucci, a trainer who consistently wins at high rates at Sunland Park. The 4-year-old filly should have more upside than her older rivals.
Snow Flurry (1) draws the rail for Casey Lambert. If she can secure position early, she will be tough to pass.
Secondary Choices
Boston Princess (6) is a 7-year-old mare who knows her job. She likely lacks the upside of the top two but is a consistent check-earner.
Betting Strategy
Win bet on Shopping Accident. The Cappellucci angle is strong here.
Selections
Shopping Accident
Snow Flurry
Boston Princess
Race 7
Post Time
03:04 PM MT
Pace Analysis
The $65,000 KLAQ Handicap at 5 furlongs. This race will be run at breakneck speed. Positivity and Competitive Idea are fast, but Bye Bye Liam also has gas.
Key Contenders
Competitive Idea (8) is a grand old campaigner. At age 9, he is still a force in the local sprint division. Trainer Dick Cappellucci keeps him happy and fast. The outside post is ideal for this veteran to watch the speed develop and pounce.
Positivity (2) ran recently on December 22 at Turf Paradise, finishing well. That recent race, combined with Justin Evans' training, makes him a major threat. He is sharp and ready.
Dean's List (7) is the “other” Cappellucci. He is dangerous and provides the stable with a strong 1-2 punch.
Secondary Choices
Tizlightning (5) fits on speed figures but faces a deep group of class veterans. He needs a perfect trip to win.
Betting Strategy
Competitive Idea loves this track. Win bet on him, but save with an Exacta Box including Positivity.
Selections
Competitive Idea
Positivity
Dean's List
Race 8
Post Time
03:32 PM MT
Pace Analysis
The $80,000 NM State Racing Commission Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs. The pace will likely be set by younger fillies, but the race goes through one mare.
Key Contenders
Corrina Corrina (10) is the undisputed queen of New Mexico-bred mares. She is a multiple stakes winner who rarely misses the board. Drawing the outside post (10) is perfect; she can keep her face clean, stalk the pace, and use her superior class to take over in the stretch. She is the single most likely winner on the card.
Run Away Bay (9) is a solid mare who can pick up the pieces if the favorite falters, though beating Corrina Corrina is a tall order.
Secondary Choices
Bella Dona (not entered, but her legacy looms) passed the torch to Corrina Corrina. In this field, First Again (8) adds depth to the exotics.
Betting Strategy
Corrina Corrina is a standout. Single her in all multi-race wagers. The only betting value lies in finding the place and show horses.
Selections
Corrina Corrina
Run Away Bay
First Again
Race 9
Post Time
04:00 PM MT
Pace Analysis
The nightcap is a 6 1/2-furlong claimer. Tequila Time and Holcombe are the names to watch.
Key Contenders
Tequila Time (1) is an 8-year-old veteran for Justin Evans. He draws the rail, which forces the jockey's hand to send. If he retains his old back class, he handles this group.
Holcombe (2) scratched on December 3 due to illness, which is a red flag, but if he is entered here, the connections must feel he is recovered. Proceed with caution but respect his ability.
Longshots
Three Martinis (7) is a 4-year-old with upside. In a field of old veterans, young legs can sometimes steal a race.
Betting Strategy
Tequila Time is the class of the field. Win bet.
Selections
Tequila Time
Holcombe
Three Martinis
Jockey Notes and Insights
Alfredo Juarez Jr. remains a dominant force at Sunland Park. His ability to save ground and time his rides is unparalleled on this oval. Watch him on Final Trial (Race 1) and Dean's List (Race 7).
Luis Negron is a rider who often brings in longshots and rides aggressively. He is live on several mounts today, including Blazing to Gold.
Tracy Hebert is the regular pilot for Corrina Corrina. He knows her perfectly and will ride with supreme confidence in the feature race.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Justin Evans enters the day with a loaded hand. From Champagne Lane in the opener to Tequila Time in the finale, his barn appears ready to have a multi-win day. Pay close attention to any Evans runner dropping in class.
Todd Fincher is the king of New Mexico-bred racing. His entrants in the state-bred races (Race 4, Race 8) are almost automatic contenders. He places his horses where they can win.
Dick Cappellucci has a strong entry in the KLAQ Handicap with Competitive Idea. His veterans are known for maintaining form over long campaigns.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The best bet of the day is undoubtedly Corrina Corrina in Race 8. She is a bankroll builder and can be used as a free square in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences.
For value, look to Race 2 and Good Lovin. If the public overbets the rail horse, Good Lovin could offer a square price for a high-percentage stable.
Another value spot is the KLAQ Handicap (Race 7). While Competitive Idea is the class, Positivity coming off a very recent race at Turf Paradise might get overlooked. An Exacta Box 2-8 in Race 7 is a solid play.
Daily Double (Races 7-8):
Race 7: 2, 8
Race 8: 10
Cost is minimal for a high-probability payoff.
