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Sunland Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the March 16, 2026 card

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Sunland Park offers a 10‑race mixed maiden and claiming program today, with primarily lower- to mid-level New Mexico-bred and open claimers going short on dirt plus two one‑mile routes. The undercard is typical of a weekday Sunland card: several maiden claimers (Races 1, 4, 5), a maiden special for 3‑year‑olds (Race 3), and a mix of restricted and open claimers at 5 1/2 to 6 furlongs plus a pair of one‑mile routes. Field sizes are solid (6‑10 runners per race), which should support playable exotics, particularly horizontal sequences beginning in Race 1 and midcard doubles and Pick 3s.​

The class levels are modest, but there are a number of productive barns and capable jockeys who dominate locally, especially in these claiming and New Mexico‑bred conditions. The overall card looks pace‑friendly in several sprints with multiple speed types, while the mile routes appear more tactical and rider‑driven. With a relatively warm, dry forecast, we can expect a fast main track, which historically at Sunland tends to favor forwardly placed runners but can play fair if the pace gets hot.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecast data around Sunland Park for mid‑March point to warm, dry conditions with afternoon highs in the low‑ to mid‑80s and light winds. Specific projections for March 16 call for mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies, near‑record high temperatures around the low‑80s, and little chance of precipitation, implying a dry surface. Given this pattern and the absence of recent rain in historical March weather at Sunland, the main track should be listed as fast, with no obvious moisture‑related bias.

Sunland's dirt, under dry and warm conditions like today's, typically plays on the quick side, producing solid early fractions and rewarding horses with tactical speed and the ability to sit close to the pace. Strong winds can exaggerate front‑end success in some meets, but the current outlook for light to moderate breezes suggests a relatively neutral wind factor.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Comprehensive public post‑position bias statistics specific to this exact date are not available, but historical meet patterns at Sunland provide guidance. In dirt sprints at 5 1/2 and 6 furlongs, inside to mid posts have typically done well, primarily because the quick run to the turn favors horses who can secure position early; outside runners can still win, but they need either superior speed or a strong pace collapse. At 4 1/2 furlongs (Race 2), the short distance further emphasizes early speed and inside positioning, making post and break especially critical.

In one‑mile dirt routes, inside and middle gates again show a slight historical edge, but rider intent and trip often matter more than raw post. With today's likely fast track and no rain, I would expect a mild “speed‑friendly but not impossible to close” profile: horses on or just off the pace should have the best of it, while deep closers will need both an honest tempo and clean trips. I will lean toward forwardly placed types and riders known for securing position early in most races on this card.

1st Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Maiden Claiming, New Mexico‑bred fillies and mares, 6 1/2 furlongs dirt, claiming 8000, purse 12900.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 12:25 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

This is a small six‑horse field with several unknowns and limited exposed speed, typical of New Mexico‑bred maiden claiming fillies. Charlizeangelbaby (6) has blinkers‑type equipment Noted (o) and could be sent aggressively in a field that lacks clear front‑runners. Ghost Goddess (2) and Desert Following (3) are 3‑year‑olds with potential to improve second or third out and may show more speed today stretching in intent at 6 1/2 furlongs.​

Pleasin N Teasin (4) and Friday Nite Fancy (5) profile more as mid‑pack types, while Fly Becky (1) from the rail has a chance to sit an inside stalking trip behind any pace duel between Charlizeangelbaby (6) and the younger fillies. Overall, I project a moderate pace with the emphasis on tactical position: horses within two or three lengths at the half‑mile should have a major advantage.​

Key Contenders

Charlizeangelbaby (6) draws the outside in a short field and gets Luis Valenzuela for Gerald Marr, a capable local combination that tends to be aggressive with lightly raced maidens. The “o” notation suggests a change in equipment that could sharpen early speed, and the outside draw allows Valenzuela to see the field and choose either to clear or sit second. In a soft group like this, that tactical edge and rider/trainer profile make her the horse to beat.​

Ghost Goddess (2) is a 3‑year‑old filly with Lasix and comes from the Dominic Duree barn with Guillermo Rodriguez aboard, a tandem that has been steady in this region. As a younger filly against older mares at this low level, she has upside, and 6 1/2 furlongs should be within her scope if she can sit just behind the speed and finish. With any step forward from prior efforts, she is a prime win candidate if the favorite falters.​

Secondary Choices

Fly Becky (1) from the inside for Jose Torres and Michelle Salazar may not be as flashy on paper but projects a ground‑saving stalking trip behind the likely pace. In these lower‑level maiden claimers, inside trips with minimal traffic can decide the race, and Torres is capable of putting her in the right spot. Pleasin N Teasin (4), with Ricardo Jaime for Jeff Hudson, looks like a logical mid‑priced option who can grind away late and pick up pieces if the pace becomes more contested than expected.​

Friday Nite Fancy (5), a 5‑year‑old mare for Dick Cappellucci with Alfredo Juarez Jr., is older but has the benefit of maturity and connections; she may lack punch to win but fits on class for a minor share. Desert Following (3), with Olaf Hernandez for Simon Buechler, is on scratch watch from a previous date but is entered today and offers some upside as a lightly raced 3‑year‑old.​

Longshots

Desert Following (3) is the least exposed and could jump forward at a price if she breaks better and gets a cleaner trip than in prior starts. Any market support would be noteworthy, but on form she is more of an underneath candidate unless the field proves particularly weak.​

Selections

Win Charlizeangelbaby (6)

Place Ghost Goddess (2)

Show Fly Becky (1)

Suggested wagering: Win bet on Charlizeangelbaby (6) at reasonable odds, exacta box Charlizeangelbaby (6) and Ghost Goddess (2), and a small trifecta Charlizeangelbaby (6) over Ghost Goddess (2) and Fly Becky (1) over Ghost Goddess (2), Fly Becky (1), Pleasin N Teasin (4), and Friday Nite Fancy (5).​

2nd Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Claiming, 4 1/2 furlongs dirt, 3‑year‑olds and up that have not won since March 16 2025 or never won four races, claiming 6250 (8000 NM‑bred), purse 11300.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 12:51 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

At 4 1/2 furlongs, this race will be decided in the first furlong and a half: gate speed and position are paramount. Wind River (3) and Jetfire (4) with Medellin riders (Alejandro and Erick respectively) both look like natural speed types at this short trip. Beer Money (7) from the outside has the chance to break and clear or press outside, while Western Grit (1) on the rail with Luis Valenzuela will be compelled to go to avoid getting shuffled.​

New Mexico Jeremy (5) and Gonna Getcha Good (6) are more mid‑pack/pressers and will need a meltdown, which is less likely at 4 1/2 furlongs unless multiple riders commit too hard early. Expect a fast but not suicidal pace with an advantage to horses who can break sharply and stay within a length of the lead turning for home.​

Key Contenders

Wind River (3) for Andres Gonzalez with Alejandro Medellin should be prominently placed and gets a favorable mid‑post in this short dash. His profile as a seasoned 7‑year‑old gelding with early foot makes him a prime candidate to take control or sit just off Jetfire (4). In these conditions, the ability to sustain speed for a short distance is more important than staying prowess, and he appears well suited.​

Beer Money (7) with Aldo Arboleda for Jeffrey Trujillo has the outside draw and enough tactical speed to either stalk three‑wide or press on the front; if he breaks sharply, he can get the best of both worlds sitting outside the other speeds. Arboleda is adept at timing moves in short sprints, and this horse's class fits the non‑winners‑since date condition.​

Secondary Choices

Western Grit (1) for James Crotts and Luis Valenzuela is dangerous simply by virtue of the rail and rider combination; if he breaks, he may end up with the rail trip, forcing others to chase three‑wide. Finglas Lad (2), ridden by Jose Torres for Arthur Ray Lucero, is a 7‑year‑old who may not be as quick early but can pick up pieces if the inside duel softens the leaders.​

New Mexico Jeremy (5) with Luis Negron for Carlos Gonzalez and Gonna Getcha Good (6) with Guillermo Rodriguez for James Crotts both appear more like underneath exotics players than prime win candidates given the race shape, but either could win with a perfect trip if the front line knocks each other out.​

Longshots

Jetfire (4) with Erick Medellin has to be used; he is a pace factor and could be dangerous if he breaks a half‑length faster than Wind River (3) and Beer Money (7). While not a standout on class, a gate‑to‑wire effort at this distance is always possible at a price.​

Selections

Win Wind River (3)

Place Beer Money (7)

Show Western Grit (1)

Suggested wagering: Win bet Wind River (3), exacta Wind River (3) over Beer Money (7) and Western Grit (1), and a small saver exacta Beer Money (7) over Wind River (3). Use Wind River (3) and Beer Money (7) as A‑types in early doubles and Pick 3s.​

3rd Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Maiden Special Weight, 3‑year‑olds, 5 1/2 furlongs dirt, purse 25200.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 1:17 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

This is a six‑horse maiden special for 3‑year‑old geldings, and these races often produce upwardly mobile types with some speed. Runnin Politician (5) with Luis Valenzuela for Simon Buechler and Final Trial (2) with Alfredo Juarez Jr. for Casey Lambert project as key pace players, with Bad Boy One (3) also having enough speed to be in the first flight. Selective Hearing (1) has the rail for Buechler and Guillermo Rodriguez and should be pushed to hold position early.​

Jim Jim (4) and Southern Caine (6), both for Gary Cross with different riders, look like they may sit mid‑pack and try to make one run. The pace should be honest, possibly hot, which may set things up for the strongest finisher rather than the pure speed.​

Key Contenders

Runnin Politician (5) is the one who fits best on paper: he has a strong rider in Luis Valenzuela, comes from the Buechler barn that has multiple entrants, and his placement in a maiden special rather than maiden claiming suggests some confidence. He should be able to secure a stalking or pressing trip outside the inside speed and get first run turning for home.​

Selective Hearing (1) with Guillermo Rodriguez for Simon Buechler gets the rail and returns at the same level, indicating the barn believes he belongs with these. If he breaks alertly and uses the rail to keep position, he can control the pocket and be very dangerous if the outside speed duel develops.​

Secondary Choices

Final Trial (2) with Alfredo Juarez Jr. and Bad Boy One (3) with Alejandro Medellin are both logical underneath players and potential upsetters if they improve. Final Trial (2) has a strong rider and a solid barn; any hint of improved gate speed or stamina would make him a prime win threat. Bad Boy One (3) has enough pace to be in the mix early and could hang on for a share.​

Jim Jim (4) with Oscar Andrade Jr. and Southern Caine (6) with Olaf Hernandez, both for Gary Cross, appear to be the barn's secondary arrows, perhaps more oriented toward finishing late and picking up checks than controlling the race.​

Longshots

Southern Caine (6) is the least obvious on paper, but in a small field his late kick could be enhanced if Runnin Politician (5), Selective Hearing (1), and Final Trial (2) all commit early. He is usable in the third and fourth slots of trifectas and supers if you play deeper verticals.​

Selections

Win Runnin Politician (5)

Place Selective Hearing (1)

Show Final Trial (2)

Suggested wagering: Win bet Runnin Politician (5), exacta box Runnin Politician (5) and Selective Hearing (1), and a trifecta Runnin Politician (5) and Selective Hearing (1) over Runnin Politician (5), Selective Hearing (1), Final Trial (2) over all. Use Runnin Politician (5) as an A in rolling horizontals.​

4th Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Maiden Claiming, 1 mile dirt, 3‑year‑olds and up, claiming 15000, purse 15300.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 1:43 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

In this six‑horse one‑mile event, tactical speed is important but a true loose‑on‑the‑lead type is not obvious. Expo City (2) with Luis Negron for Dick Cappellucci may be sent forward from an inside post to control the tempo, with Torreado (1) on the rail under Oscar Andrade Jr. also pushing early. Gangster (4) with Ricardo Jaime and Unbridled's Map (3) with Miguel Fuentes Jr. both project as stalkers, while Citizen Barrett (5) and Cinco Taco (6) for Martin Valdez‑Cabral can sit mid‑pack and make late runs.​

The pace could end up moderate, making it tough for deep closers and favoring horses who sit within a length or two of the front through the half‑mile.

Key Contenders

Unbridled's Map (3) for Joel Marr looks like a key runner here: a 3‑year‑old gelding in for 15000 with Lasix and a solid barn, plus Miguel Fuentes Jr., should ensure a good tactical ride. He has the right running style to sit just off the leaders and pounce turning for home. Expo City (2), from the strong Cappellucci barn with Negron, is also a major win candidate; connections like this at this level and distance are very live.​

Secondary Choices

Cinco Taco (6) and Citizen Barrett (5), both from the Valdez‑Cabral barn with different riders (Alfredo Juarez Jr. on Cinco Taco (6), Alejandro Medellin on Citizen Barrett (5)), merit respect as a potent owner‑trainer duo in New Mexico. They are likely to be fit and placed where they can compete; either could win with a forward move or the right trip.​

Torreado (1) for Bernadette Barrios and Gangster (4) for Jeff Hudson are a notch below on paper but have the benefit of inside and mid‑posts to sit close; either could hang around for minor awards.​

Longshots

Torreado (1) looks like the most plausible price horse who could improve stretching out or with a ground‑saving trip. His rail draw at a mile is an asset if he breaks and relaxes; he is usable in deeper exotics.​

Selections

Win Unbridled's Map (3)

Place Expo City (2)

Show Cinco Taco (6)

Suggested wagering: Win Unbridled's Map (3), exacta box Unbridled's Map (3) and Expo City (2), trifecta Unbridled's Map (3) over Expo City (2), Cinco Taco (6), Citizen Barrett (5) over Expo City (2), Cinco Taco (6), Citizen Barrett (5), Torreado (1), and Gangster (4).​

5th Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Maiden Claiming, 5 1/2 furlongs dirt, 3‑year‑olds and up, claiming 6500 (8000 NM‑bred), purse 9700.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 2:09 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

This is a seven‑horse maiden claiming sprint with several older geldings and a 3‑year‑old. Stormwire (1) with Olaf Hernandez for Todd Fincher from the rail figures to show speed, especially with Lasix and a productive barn. I Got The Moves (4) with Javier Ortega for Anthony Blea and Dynamic Saga (6) with Luis Negron for Jeff Hudson can also be forward factors, while You N How Manymore (7), a 3‑year‑old with Aldo Arboleda for Daniel Hernandez, is on scratch watch from a prior entry and may show more speed if he runs.​

Los Tres Carnales (2), Karaoke Hero (3), and Nine Lives Elmer (5) are more likely to stalk or close. The pace should be honest, with a strong chance of at least two or three horses vying for the lead early.​

Key Contenders

Stormwire (1) is very appealing on connections and rail draw: Todd Fincher is a powerful barn locally, and Olaf Hernandez should be intent on using the inside. Against this modest field, Stormwire (1) projects to sit either on the lead or just off it and have first run into the lane.​

Dynamic Saga (6) with Negron for Hudson is another likely pace‑pressing type with enough class and experience to hold on for a big piece. He should appreciate the 5 1/2 furlong trip and the class level.​

Secondary Choices

I Got The Moves (4) with Ortega for Blea is a logical secondary win threat, with mid‑gate and tactical speed that allows him to adapt to how the race unfolds. Karaoke Hero (3) for Timothy Gleason with Alfredo Juarez Jr. looks like a mid‑pack type who can rally for a minor share and might surprise if the top speed types soften each other.​

Los Tres Carnales (2) with Oscar Andrade Jr. and Nine Lives Elmer (5) with Jose Miguel Vazquez are more likely to be in the hunt for minor placings rather than the win spot, but either could fill out trifectas or supers.​

Longshots

You N How Manymore (7), a 3‑year‑old on prior scratch watch, is interesting as the youngest horse in the field and may improve with experience if he runs. With Aldo Arboleda aboard, he could be a longshot to spice up the exotics if he takes a step forward.​

Selections

Win Stormwire (1)

Place Dynamic Saga (6)

Show I Got The Moves (4)

Suggested wagering: Win Stormwire (1), exacta Stormwire (1) over Dynamic Saga (6) and I Got The Moves (4), with a small backup exacta Dynamic Saga (6) over Stormwire (1). Use Stormwire (1) as a single or strong A in middle horizontals if the board cooperates.​

6th Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Claiming, 5 1/2 furlongs dirt, non‑winners of three, claiming 6250 (10000 NM‑bred), purse 11200.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 2:37 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

Fact Or Fiction (1) with Aldo Arboleda for Daniel Hernandez from the rail and Wrecking Storm (4) with Alejandro Medellin for Jaime Aldavaz Sr. both project as early pace players at this distance. Truckin (5) with Luis Negron for Sherry Armstrong and Captain Fabulous (7) with Ken Tohill for Joel Marr are tactical sorts who can press or sit just off. Rainbow Crest (2), Attila's Boy (3), and Checksforcharlie (6) are likely to be mid‑pack or closing.​

Given several speed‑capable types, the pace may be solid to fast, which could set things up for a horse who can sit third or fourth and pounce rather than a need‑the‑lead type.

Key Contenders

Captain Fabulous (7) is appealing on connections and post: Ken Tohill is one of the more dependable local riders, and Joel Marr is a strong trainer. From the outside, Captain Fabulous (7) can stalk the inside speed and make a sustained run around the far turn, avoiding traffic.​

Fact Or Fiction (1) is dangerous from the rail; Arboleda can send and hope to control the inside. If he breaks sharply and clears or secures the rail, he can be tough to reel in.​

Secondary Choices

Truckin (5) with Negron for Armstrong has the ideal press‑and‑pounce profile and may get the perfect trip behind Fact Or Fiction (1) and Wrecking Storm (4). Rainbow Crest (2) with Olaf Hernandez for Barrios is a viable secondary contender who can sit mid‑pack and run on late.​

Attila's Boy (3) and Checksforcharlie (6) are more fringe players but need to be considered underneath in exotics.​

Longshots

Wrecking Storm (4) is a possible longshot wire threat if Medellin sends and nobody else presses as hard; while more likely to weaken late, he can be a factor at a price.​

Selections

Win Captain Fabulous (7)

Place Fact Or Fiction (1)

Show Truckin (5)

Suggested wagering: Win Captain Fabulous (7), exacta box Captain Fabulous (7) and Fact Or Fiction (1), and trifecta Captain Fabulous (7) over Fact Or Fiction (1), Truckin (5), Rainbow Crest (2) over all. Use Captain Fabulous (7) as a key in late Pick 4s and Pick 5s.​

7th Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Claiming, 1 mile dirt, non‑winners of two since September 16 2025, or non‑winners since February 16 2026, or never won four, claiming 7500 (10000 NM‑bred), purse 12600.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 3:04 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

Sharp Stick (1) with Ricardo Jaime for Anthony Blea from the rail and John John (2) with Alejandro Medellin for Andres Gonzalez should be forwardly placed early. Major Contender (4) with Erick Medellin for Blea and Malibu Rain (5) with Guillermo Rodriguez for Valdez‑Cabral have enough tactical speed to sit close, while Kirby Derby (6) and Clue (7) with Luis Negron and Aldo Arboleda respectively look like mid‑pack or closing types.​

Ten Figures (3), on recent scratch watch, must be included in pace projection if he runs, but his status is uncertain. Expect a steady, moderate tempo with an advantage to horses who can sit in the first flight and finish.​

Key Contenders

Malibu Rain (5) for Martin Valdez‑Cabral with Guillermo Rodriguez appears well‑spotted: a 5‑year‑old gelding with tactical speed at a claiming level where this barn does well. From post 5, Malibu Rain (5) can stalk the rail speed and get first run on the closers.​

Sharp Stick (1) from the rail is live; Blea and Jaime can send and try to control the pace from the inside over a mile, a configuration that favors such tactics at Sunland.​

Secondary Choices

Clue (7) with Arboleda for Alberto Amparan is a legitimate secondary choice, with an outside draw that allows him to stay out of traffic and make a steady run. Kirby Derby (6), although on scratch watch earlier in the meet, is dangerous if running today with Luis Negron and Carlos Gonzalez: he can sit mid‑pack and grind away late.​

John John (2) and Major Contender (4) are both capable of mixing it up early and hanging on for minor awards; they must be included in exotics. Ten Figures (3) is more of a wild card given prior scratches but could be competitive at this level.​

Longshots

Major Contender (4) is the most viable price horse who could steal this if the others allow him too easy a lead or if he gets a perfect pressing trip.​

Selections

Win Malibu Rain (5)

Place Sharp Stick (1)

Show Clue (7)

Suggested wagering: Win Malibu Rain (5), exacta Malibu Rain (5) over Sharp Stick (1) and Clue (7), and use Malibu Rain (5) as a key in multi‑race wagers, backing up with Sharp Stick (1) and Clue (7).​

8th Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Claiming, fillies and mares, 6 furlongs dirt, non‑winners of three, claiming 7500, purse 12200.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 3:32 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

This nine‑horse field features several fillies and mares with early speed. Bubbles Up (2) with Luis Valenzuela for Justin Evans is likely to show speed from an inside post; Charlotte's Spider (4) with Enrique Portillo Gomez for Oscar Carrete and Nala (6) with Olaf Hernandez for Bernadette Barrios can also be on or near the lead. Grazen Gator (7) with Ricardo Jaime for Anthony Blea and Distorted Cat (8) with Alfredo Sigala for Taurino Gutierrez may press or sit just off the pace.​

In Spite Of It (3) with Miguel Fuentes Jr. for Joel Marr, Stay By The Beach (1), Lone Mountain Girl (5), and Gift Gorgeous (9) for Martin Valdez‑Cabral with Francisco Amparan are more likely to be tactical or from mid‑pack. The pace should be hot enough to test pure front‑runners.​

Key Contenders

Bubbles Up (2) is a key contender based on connections and likely pace position: Evans and Valenzuela are very strong at this level, and from post 2 she can secure the rail early or sit just off the inside rival. If she clears or gets a comfortable stalking spot, she can prove tough to run down.​

In Spite Of It (3) with Marr and Fuentes Jr. is dangerous as a stalker/closer type; she can sit behind the speed duel and launch into the lane. Gift Gorgeous (9), drawn outside for Valdez‑Cabral and Amparan, has the ideal outside tracking trip and may be the strongest finisher if the pace collapses.​

Secondary Choices

Grazen Gator (7) with Blea and Jaime is a solid secondary win candidate, with enough speed to sit close and the class to stick around late. Nala (6) and Charlotte's Spider (4) are also viable secondary choices, though they may be pace‑compromised if the early fractions get too hot.​

Lone Mountain Girl (5) with Juarez Jr. for Jose Gonzalez Jr. has a workmanlike profile and can pick up pieces late, but likely needs the race to fall apart to win. Stay By The Beach (1) from the rail is more of an inside trip horse for minor awards.​

Longshots

Distorted Cat (8) could be the surprise at a price if she manages to secure a tracking trip outside the main speeds and finishes better than expected.​

Selections

Win Gift Gorgeous (9)

Place Bubbles Up (2)

Show In Spite Of It (3)

Suggested wagering: Win Gift Gorgeous (9), exacta box Gift Gorgeous (9), Bubbles Up (2), and In Spite Of It (3), and deeper trifectas using Grazen Gator (7), Nala (6), and Charlotte's Spider (4) underneath.​

9th Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Starter Optional Claiming, New Mexico‑breds, 5 1/2 furlongs dirt, 3‑year‑olds and up started for 7500 or less in 2025‑2026 or in for 10000 tag, purse 16600.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 4:00 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

Bango For Bucks (1) with Luis Valenzuela (as owner‑trainer‑rider) from the rail and Thruthestorm (4) with Alfredo Juarez Jr. for Carlos Gonzalez are natural pace types. Brandyn (3) with Portillo Gomez and Playing Field (7) with Christian Ramos for Sherry Armstrong can press or stalk close, while Attilianno (5) with Luis Negron for Justin Evans, Lonzo Who (6) with Miguel Perez, and Laugh Of The Party (8) with Tracy Hebert for Joy Marlin are more tactical/closing types.​

Danz At Colfax (2) with Francisco Amparan for Alberto Amparan is an older gelding who can sit mid‑pack and grind late. Expect a fast, contested pace, which could favor those sitting third or fourth early.​

Key Contenders

Attilianno (5) is a key runner here: Justin Evans and Luis Negron are a powerful combination, and Attilianno (5) is a seasoned 9‑year‑old who has run well in similar starter/claiming conditions. He should get a perfect stalking trip behind the inside speed and have first run on the deeper closers.​

Bango For Bucks (1) is always dangerous in these spots, especially from the rail with Valenzuela; if he breaks sharply and avoids too much pace pressure, he can take them a long way.​

Secondary Choices

Thruthestorm (4) with Juarez Jr. is a highly viable secondary win candidate and a must‑use in exotics; he will be part of the pace and can still hold for a share if he does not get embroiled in a destructive duel. Danz At Colfax (2) and Brandyn (3) are both solid mid‑pack types who can pick up a major piece with a fair pace scenario.​

Lonzo Who (6) for Greg Green has some back class and may offer value as a mid‑pack stalker. Playing Field (7) with Ramos for Armstrong and Laugh Of The Party (8), who has been also‑eligible recently, are fringe contenders but usable underneath.​

Longshots

Laugh Of The Party (8) is a possible longshot that can outrun his odds if the field strings out and he gets a wide but smooth trip.​

Selections

Win Attilianno (5)

Place Bango For Bucks (1)

Show Thruthestorm (4)

Suggested wagering: Win Attilianno (5), exacta Attilianno (5) over Bango For Bucks (1), Thruthestorm (4), and Danz At Colfax (2), with a smaller reverse exacta Bango for Bucks (1) over Attilianno (5). Use Attilianno (5) and Bango for Bucks (1) as A‑types in late horizontals.​

10th Race – Sunland Park – Monday, March 16th, 2026

Claiming, 6 furlongs dirt, non‑winners of two since September 16 2025 or never won four, 3‑year‑olds and up, claiming 5000 (7500 NM‑bred), purse 10800.​

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 4:20 PM local.​

Pace Analysis

This is a full field of ten, and pace should be a major factor. Hello Hot Rod (1) with Portillo Gomez for Cappellucci, Storm Bayou (4) with Luis Valenzuela for Justin Evans, Burnz Da Boss (9) with Guillermo Rodriguez for Andres Gonzalez, and We Need Marketing (10) with Olaf Hernandez for Filiberto Quiroz all have early speed. Cog (2) with Christian Ramos, Ryders Up (3) with Aldo Arboleda, Pudding (5) with Luis Negron for Cappellucci, Bettor Trip Nick (6) with Alfredo Juarez Jr., Lovesunfair (7) with Oscar Andrade Jr., and Aaron Who (8) with Alfredo Sigala for Ever Olguin are more likely to be tactical or mid‑pack.​

With this many speed and pace‑pressing types, the fractions should be strong, making it possible for a stalker or mid‑pack runner to get the best of it late.

Key Contenders

Storm Bayou (4) for Justin Evans with Luis Valenzuela is a key contender: strong barn, top local rider, and an ideal draw in post 4 to use speed and still save ground. He should be among the leaders early and has the class to stick around late.​

Pudding (5) with Negron and Cappellucci is a very live closer/stalker; as an older, seasoned 11‑year‑old gelding, he knows how to pass horses and can benefit from a contested pace.​

Secondary Choices

Hello Hot Rod (1) from the rail with Cappellucci and Portillo Gomez is dangerous; he may be sent from the inside and try to wire the field or secure a pocket trip. Bettor Trip Nick (6) with Juarez Jr. for Dominic Duree is a logical secondary win candidate with tactical speed and finishing ability.​

Cog (2) with Ramos for Blea, Ryders Up (3), Lovesunfair (7), Aaron Who (8), Burnz Da Boss (9), and We Need Marketing (10) each have plausible winning scenarios but may need ideal setups. Burnz Da Boss (9) and We Need Marketing (10) in particular could get wide trips but have enough speed to be in the mix early.​

Longshots

Aaron Who (8) with Alfredo Sigala is an interesting longshot if the pace collapses and he can launch from mid‑pack into a tiring field. Lovesunfair (7) is another who could outrun odds with a clean trip and a strong late run.​

Selections

Win Storm Bayou (4)

Place Pudding (5)

Show Hello Hot Rod (1)

Suggested wagering: Win Storm Bayou (4), exacta Storm Bayou (4) over Pudding (5), Hello Hot Rod (1), and Bettor Trip Nick (6), with backup exacta Pudding (5) over Storm Bayou (4). Use Storm Bayou (4) and Pudding (5) as primary A‑types to close out late horizontals.​

Jockey Notes and Insights

Luis Valenzuela appears on numerous live mounts today, including Charlizeangelbaby (6) in Race 1, Runnin Politician (5) in Race 3, Bubbles Up (2) in Race 8, Bango For Bucks (1) in Race 9, and Storm Bayou (4) in Race 10, making him a central figure in early speed and tactical rides across the card. His ability to secure forward position at Sunland is a major factor in several races where pace is key.​

Luis Negron is another key rider on live horses such as Expo City (2) in Race 4, Dynamic Saga (6) in Race 5, Truckin (5) in Race 6, Kirby Derby (6) in Race 7, Attilianno (5) in Race 9, and Pudding (5) in Race 10. His style tends to fit stalkers and closers well, making him especially dangerous in races projected to have hot paces.​

Alfredo Juarez Jr., Guillermo Rodriguez, Aldo Arboleda, and Ricardo Jaime also have multiple mounts and can be used confidently on horses that need good timing and mid‑pack trips. Christian Ramos, recognized as a leading jockey in the prior meet, rides Playing Field (7) in Race 9 and Cog (2) in Race 10, and his presence on prices in full fields should not be underestimated.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Justin Evans has several live contenders including Bubbles Up (2) in Race 8, Attilianno (5) in Race 9, and Storm Bayou (4) in Race 10, making his barn central to late‑card horizontals and value plays. When combined with strong riders like Luis Valenzuela and Luis Negron, Evans's horses are often well‑meant and fit conditions perfectly.​

Dick Cappellucci is represented by Friday Nite Fancy (5) in Race 1, Expo City (2) in Race 4, and the pair Hello Hot Rod (1) and Pudding (5) in Race 10; this barn spots aggressively and can win at prices, particularly with older claimers. Joel Marr and Martin Valdez‑Cabral also have multiple entrants across the card and are reliable, especially in New Mexico‑bred conditions and mid‑level claimers.​

Todd Fincher's Stormwire (1) in Race 5 is a key win candidate, reflecting the barn's strength with maiden claimers. Other consistent conditioners such as Anthony Blea, Andres Gonzalez, and Alberto Amparan have multiple live mounts and should be included in horizontal coverage where their horses fit the projected pace dynamics.​

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Given field sizes and the presence of several strong favorites tied to key jockey‑trainer combos, the card sets up well for multi‑race wagers such as rolling daily doubles, early and late Pick 3s, and a main mid‑card or late Pick 5 anchored to strong opinions. While I do not have explicit morning‑line odds, the horses with top connections and logical pace advantages are likely to be shorter prices, so value will come from pairing them with better‑priced secondary and longshot types in exotics.​

Potential single or strong A candidates for horizontals include Charlizeangelbaby (6) in Race 1, Runnin Politician (5) in Race 3, Unbridled's Map (3) in Race 4, Stormwire (1) in Race 5, Captain Fabulous (7) in Race 6, Malibu Rain (5) in Race 7, Gift Gorgeous (9) in Race 8, Attilianno (5) in Race 9, and Storm Bayou (4) or Pudding (5) in Race 10. Structuring a Pick 5 using 3‑4 of these as singles or primary A‑types and spreading in the other legs where chaos is more likely can create strong value, especially if one or two of the key horses are not hammered on the board.​

Vertically, focus on exactas and trifectas where pace shape suggests vulnerable favorites or where multi‑speed races could set up for mid‑priced stalkers and closers, such as the 8th, 9th, and 10th races. Horses like Gift Gorgeous (9) in Race 8, Danz At Colfax (2) in Race 9, and Pudding (5) in Race 10 are examples of value‑oriented runners who should be keyed underneath logical favorites to maximize return.​

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