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The Downs at Albuquerque presents a competitive 10-race card featuring a mix of claiming races, maiden events, and the prestigious O.D. McDonald Stakes. The evening program begins at 6:05 PM MT with races spanning thoroughbred claiming events and quarter horse competition, culminating with allowance-level quarter horse racing.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Racing conditions are favorable with partly cloudy skies and temperatures around 75°F expected at post time. Light southeast winds at 12 mph and low humidity create ideal conditions for the dirt surface. The one-mile dirt oval should maintain fast track conditions throughout the evening card.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Fillies and Mares Claiming (6 1/2 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Shopping Accident brings Dick Cappellucci’s solid training and figures prominently off the rail at favorable 3-1 morning line odds. The 3-year-old filly by Cappellucci has tactical speed suited for this distance. Julia’s Promise from Daniel Hernandez stable offers early pace and benefits from Jose Torres’ riding ability.

Secondary Choices: Comforts Jazel represents Jose R. Gonzalez Jr.’s barn with Roberto Morales aboard, providing solid place potential in this competitive claiming field.

Longshots: Lookatherglide shows potential value at longer odds with Kevin Carmona riding for Bernadette Barrios’ stable.

Pace Analysis: Expected pace setup favors horses with early speed, as several fillies should press forward from the start.

Key Angles: Dick Cappellucci’s 15% win rate with claiming horses at this level makes Shopping Accident the logical favorite.

Race 2 – New Mexico Bred Claiming (5 1/2 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Royal Lineage draws even money favorability with Francisco Amparan aboard for Alberto Amparan. The gelding shows consistent form and benefits from the shorter distance. Juana Rumble offers value with Aldo Arboleda riding for Jeffrey Trujillo’s barn.

Secondary Choices: Dora’s Storm with Jose Torres provides tactical speed that suits sprint distances.

Longshots: Watts represents Alberto Amparan’s stable at potential value odds with Alfredo Juarez Jr. aboard.

Pace Analysis: Sprint distance creates early pace pressure with several speed horses likely to contest the early lead.

Key Angles: New Mexico bred incentives enhance purse value and attract quality local stock.

Race 3 – Claiming Non-Winners Three (6 1/2 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Road to Eldorado offers value at 5-2 morning line with Luis Fuentes aboard for Dick Cappellucci. The 3-year-old gelding shows promise at this level. Serenader presents tactical speed with Alejandro Medellin riding for Justin Evans.

Secondary Choices: Malibu Rain provides closing potential with Fausto Da Silva aboard.

Longshots: Checksforcharlie represents value with Jose Miguel Vazquez riding.

Pace Analysis: Distance allows for tactical development with moderate early pace expected.

Key Angles: Dick Cappellucci’s training record with developing horses makes Road to Eldorado appealing.

Race 4 – Claiming (6 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Coastal Fog benefits from Aldo Arboleda’s riding and Raymond Valerio training. The gelding shows consistent form at this claiming level. Hold Me Only offers experience with Tracy Hebert aboard for Gary Cross.

Secondary Choices: Dom Wayne with Erick Medellin provides potential value in the large field.

Longshots: Jetfire represents Bernadette Barrios stable with Kevin Carmona riding.

Pace Analysis: Large 12-horse field creates pace complications with several speed horses expected to contest early fractions.

Key Angles: Gary Cross maintains solid statistics with older claiming horses.

Race 5 – O.D. McDonald Stakes (7 Furlongs)

The $75,000 O.D. McDonald Stakes represents the evening’s featured attraction, bringing together six accomplished New Mexico-bred horses in a compelling seven-furlong contest that serves as a rematch from last year’s thrilling edition.​

Race Overview

This Lasix-free stakes event for three-year-olds and upward showcases the best of New Mexico breeding, with a purse structure that attracted a competitive field despite its relatively small size. The seven-furlong distance on Albuquerque’s one-mile dirt oval favors horses with tactical speed and stamina.​

Detailed Horse Analysis

#5 Antonios Mark (5 ML) – TOP CHOICE

The 5-year-old son of Marking enters in peak form following consecutive victories, including a dominant 3¾-length score in the $75,000 Casey Darnell Stakes over this same course. Trained by Dominic Duree for owner Andy Banegas, this gelding brings impressive credentials with seven wins from 28 starts and earnings exceeding $370,000.​

Key Advantages: Antonios Mark finished no worse than third in five previous Albuquerque starts, demonstrating consistent form on the home track. His recent Casey Darnell victory showcased improved form and tactical versatility under jockey Alfredo Juarez Jr. The combination has developed strong chemistry, evidenced by their recent success.​

Pedigree Notes: Bred by Fred Alexander, Antonios Mark descends from quality bloodlines as a son of Marking out of the Lawyer Ron mare Bekat Bekat. His sire Marking, a Bernardini son, has emerged as one of New Mexico’s leading stallions, producing multiple stakes winners including Slammed, Marking Canyon, I Think I’m Here, and Speed Merchant.​

Form Analysis: The gelding’s progression pattern suggests peak fitness entering this assignment. His narrow second-place finish by a neck to Dave’s Enchantment in last year’s O.D. McDonald provides motivation for redemption, particularly given his improved recent form trajectory.

#6 Dave’s Enchantment (1 ML) – DEFENDING CHAMPION

The 5-year-old defending champion brings proven stakes ability but questions surrounding recent consistency. Trained by Alberto Amparan for owner Allen Kincaid, this son of Attila’s Storm captured last year’s edition with a thrilling neck victory over today’s main rival Antonios Mark.​

Recent Form: Dave’s Enchantment snapped a troubling six-race losing streak with an allowance victory on October 4th, suggesting renewed form. However, the extended winless period raises concerns about sustained competitiveness at stakes level.​

Track Record: The gelding shows strong Albuquerque affinity with three career victories from local appearances. His five wins from 18 career starts and $161,000+ in earnings demonstrate quality, though less impressive than Antonios Mark’s record.​

Pedigree: Bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Allen Kincaid, Dave’s Enchantment descends from Attila’s Storm out of the Mr. Groush mare Crafty Joi. His damsire earned over $516,000 highlighted by the 1997 Alabama Derby (G3) victory.​

#4 Marking Canyon (6-1 ML) – TACTICALHREAT

The 4-year-old son of Marking represents another prominent offspring of the leading New Mexico sire. Trained by Leroy Fincher with Aldo Arboleda aboard, this gelding offers tactical speed and proven ability in state-bred competition.​

Key Factors: Marking Canyon’s breeding suggests natural affinity for this distance and surface. His youth advantage at age four could prove decisive against older rivals showing form cycles. Arboleda’s tactical riding ability suits the anticipated pace scenario.

#1 Attilianno (8-1 ML) -XPERIENCED VETERAN

The 8-year-old veteran brings extensive experience with 121 pounds and Fausto Da Silva’s proven stakes riding ability. Trained by Todd Fincher, this gelding represents potential value given his experience level and tactical speed.​

#2 Ar Ya Weegee (10-1 ML) – LONGOT POSSIBILITY

The 5-year-old represents Gary Cross’s barn with Tracy Hebert riding. Cross maintains solid statistics with older horses, making this gelding a potential surprise factor at longer odds.​

#3 Spinning Black (12-1 ML) -ONGSHOT

The 8-year-old represents Arturo Chavez’s training with Enrique Gomez aboard. Advanced age works against sustained competitiveness, but experience could factor in tactical scenarios.​

Pace Analysis

The expected pace setup favors horses capable of tactical positioning behind moderate early fractions. Dave’s Enchantment and Attilianno likely contest early positioning, setting up closing opportunities for Antonios Mark and Marking Canyon. The seven-furlong distance allows sufficient time for tactical development without favoring extreme pace scenarios.

Key Angles and Wagering Strategy

Primary Angle: The Antonios Mark versus Dave’s Enchantment rematch provides the race’s central storyline. Antonios Mark’s improved recent form versus Dave’s Enchantment’s defending champion status creates compelling dynamics.​

Secondary Angle: Marking Canyon’s tactical speed could prove decisive if the two favorites engage in early pace pressure. His breeding and youth advantage support potential upset scenarios.

Value Considerations: Attilianno at 8-1 morning line offers potential value given Da Silva’s stakes experience and tactical speed that suits the pace scenario.

Recommended Wagering Approach

Win Bet: Antonios Mark represents the strongest win probability based on current form and track record.

Exacta Strategy: Box Antonios Mark with Dave’s Enchantment and Marking Canyon to capture the most likely finishing combinations.

Trifecta Play: Key Antonios Mark on top with Dave’s Enchantment, Marking Canyon, and Attilianno in second and third positions.

Value Angle: Consider Attilianno in exacta and trifecta combinations given his experience and potential pace advantage.

The O.D. McDonald Stakes promises compelling competition between proven stakes horses, with Antonios Mark holding slight advantages in current form and recent performance indicators while facing quality opposition led by defending champion Dave’s Enchantment.

Race 6 – New Mexico Bred Allowance (870 Yards)

The $38,800 New Mexico Bred Allowance at 870 yards represents the evening’s premier quarter horse contest, attracting nine quality New Mexico-bred runners in a competitive allowance-level event that showcases the state’s breeding program.​

Race Overview

This 870-yard contest runs around one turn on Albuquerque’s dirt oval, emphasizing explosive gate speed and tactical positioning throughout the sweeping turn. The distance falls between traditional quarter horse sprints and longer route events, creating unique handicapping challenges where post position and track configuration become critical factors.​

Distance and Track Analysis

At 870 yards, this race requires horses to maintain sustained speed through the turn while preserving energy for the final drive. Unlike shorter quarter horse sprints that emphasize pure gate speed, this distance allows for tactical development while still favoring horses with explosive early acceleration.​

The single-turn configuration places premium importance on post position, as horses breaking from outside posts face significant ground loss navigating the sweeping turn. Inside posts provide tactical advantages by offering shorter routes to the rail and better positioning options.​

Detailed Horse Analysis

#1 Sky Jumpn (Even Money ML) – TOPHOICE

The 5-year-old gelding represents Hermenegildo Aldavaz’s formidable quarter horse operation with Oscar Andrade Jr. aboard. Bred in New Mexico by Uzziel Grado-Chavez, Sky Jumpn descends from proven bloodlines as a son of Jumpn Chic out of Young Moon by Everyday Heroes.​

Key Advantages: Sky Jumpn draws the rail post in this turn race, providing significant tactical advantages in ground saving and positioning flexibility. The Aldavaz stable maintains multiple graded stakes-winning credentials in quarter horse racing, indicating quality training methods and horse development.​

Breeding Analysis: His sire Jumpn Chic brings proven sprint speed genetics, while dam Young Moon by Everyday Heroes adds stamina elements suited for this 870-yard distance. New Mexico breeding provides additional purse incentives through state-bred bonuses.​

Jockey Factor: Oscar Andrade Jr. brings proven experience in quarter horse racing with tactical ability suited for turn races. His partnership with the Aldavaz barn suggests established chemistry and race-riding strategy.

#2 Whiskey Whiskey3-1 ML) – STABLE COMPANION

The 4-year-old gelding represents the second Aldavaz entry with Omar Iturralde riding. This son of JM Specialwynn offers tactical flexibility and represents stable depth in this competitive allowance field.​

Key Factors: Whiskey Whiskey’s presence creates potential pace advantages for the Aldavaz stable through tactical cooperation. His youth at age four suggests continued improvement potential, while the stable’s quarter horse expertise provides training advantages.

Strategic Considerations: The two-horse Aldavaz entry allows for tactical positioning options that could benefit both runners. Iturralde’s riding ability complements Andrade Jr.’s rail position strategy.

#3 Splish Splash (4-1 ML) – FEMALEACTOR

The 5-year-old mare brings tactical speed with Jose Miguel Vazquez aboard for Juan Hernandez’s training. Female runners in mixed-gender allowance events often provide value opportunities through weight allowances and breeding incentives.​

Advantages: Splish Splash offers proven ability in New Mexico bred competition with tactical speed suited for the 870-yard distance. Her racing experience provides familiarity with local track conditions and competition levels.

#4 Daddys Tea (6-1 ML) – EXPERIENCEDETERAN

The 6-year-old gelding represents Carlos Acosta Jr.’s training with Daniel Torres riding. Advanced experience at this allowance level provides familiarity with competitive demands and tactical requirements.

Key Angles: Daddys Tea’s maturity suggests tactical awareness in turn races, while Torres brings proven quarter horse riding experience. The combination offers potential value given longer morning line odds.

#5 Rc Jessa Flashn (8-1 ML) -ONGSHOT POTENTIAL

The 5-year-old mare represents Jorge Morales-Flores training with Jesse Levario aboard. Her breeding and New Mexico registration provide state-bred advantages while offering potential value at longer odds.​

Value Considerations: Rc Jessa Flashn shows previous experience at Sunray Park in allowance competition, indicating quality level familiarity. Levario’s quarter horse expertise suggests tactical awareness of pace scenarios.

#6 Boaz the Overcomer (10-1 ML) TACTICAL THREAT

The 6-year-old gelding brings Joy Marlin’s training with Tracy Hebert riding. The combination offers experience in New Mexico quarter horse racing with potential for upset scenarios at attractive odds.

#7 Mister Wu (12-1 ML) -ONGSHOT

The 5-year-old gelding represents Casey Lambert’s training with Luis Valenzuela aboard. Lambert maintains solid local statistics, making this runner a potential surprise factor in large-field scenarios.

#8 Jess the Victory (15-1 ML) – OUTSIDEHANCE

The 5-year-old mare brings Hector Chavez training with Brian Barraza riding. Female runner offers weight advantages and potential for longshot scenarios in this competitive allowance field.

#9 Wall Street Logic (20-1 ML) – EXTREMEONGSHOT

The 5-year-old gelding represents Arturo Chavez’s training with Francisco Amparan aboard. Outside post position creates challenges in turn race, though Amparan’s local experience provides tactical knowledge.

Pace Analysis

The 870-yard distance typically produces moderate early pace with sustained speed through the turn. Sky Jumpn from the rail likely establishes early positioning, while Whiskey Whiskey provides tactical support from post two. The turn configuration favors horses with sustained speed rather than pure gate breakers.​

Expected pace scenario creates advantages for horses capable of rating behind moderate early fractions before unleashing finishing kicks in the final furlong. The Aldavaz duo holds positioning advantages through inside post draws and tactical cooperation.

Key Angles and Wagering Strategy

Primary Angle: The Aldavaz stable entry dominates with both Sky Jumpn and Whiskey Whiskey offering complementary tactical advantages. Their inside post positions in this turn race provide significant ground-saving benefits.​

Secondary Angle: New Mexico bred incentives enhance purse values while creating competitive balance among state-bred runners. The allowance condition attracts quality horses with proven ability.​

Distance Advantage: The 870-yard distance favors horses with sustained speed rather than pure sprinters, creating tactical advantages for experienced campaigners with proven stamina.

Recommended Wagering Approach

Win Bet: Sky Jumpn represents the strongest win probability through rail post advantage, proven connections, and tactical speed suited for the distance.

Exacta Strategy: Box Sky Jumpn and Whiskey Whiskey to capture the Aldavaz stable’s tactical advantages, with Splish Splash as third option.

Trifecta Play: Key Sky Jumpn on top with Whiskey Whiskey, Splish Splash, and Daddys Tea completing the combination.

Value Angle: Consider Boaz the Overcomer and Rc Jessa Flashn in larger combination bets given their potential for upset scenarios at generous odds.

Multi-Race Strategy: Use Sky Jumpn as a single in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences given his significant advantages in post position and stable strength.

The New Mexico Bred Allowance presents excellent wagering opportunities with the Aldavaz stable’s tactical advantages creating strong foundation for exotic wagering strategies while the competitive allowance field offers value potential for experienced handicappers.

Race 7 – Maiden Claiming Quarter Horses (330 Yards)

Key Contenders: Firstdown Junebug offers early speed potential with Adrian Ramos aboard. Fdd Left La 123 represents value with Gabriel Medrano riding.

Secondary Choices: Pyc Monsta Two provides tactical ability with Alfredo Sigala aboard.

Longshots: Several maidens in the large field offer potential value at longer odds.

Pace Analysis: Extremely short distance emphasizes gate break and early speed.

Key Angles: Maiden quarter horse races often produce surprising results.

Race 8 – Maiden Quarter Horses (350 Yards)

Key Contenders: First Eagle N Flight offers potential with Oscar Andrade Jr. aboard. Precidio represents value with Omar Iturralde riding.

Secondary Choices: Goodbye Quickie provides experience with Jorge Nieto-Saenz aboard.

Longshots: The Relentless Quest and Sunfire Eagle offer potential value.

Pace Analysis: Short distance emphasizes gate break and early speed development.

Key Angles: Maiden quarter horse events often produce longshot winners.

Race 9 – Quarter Horse Claiming (400 Yards)

Key Contenders: This Candy Man Can offers proven ability with Daniel Torres aboard. Firstly provides tactical speed with Omar Iturralde riding.

Secondary Choices: Allaboutstamina and Little Scary Chic both offer place potential.

Longshots: Dynasty Ice 123 represents value at longer odds.

Pace Analysis: 400-yard distance allows for slight tactical development.

Key Angles: Claiming level provides competitive balance among entrants.

Race 10 – New Mexico Bred Allowance Quarter Horses (400 Yards)

Key Contenders: Royal Post offers potential with Gerardo Vera aboard for Gilberto Canales. Suspicious Runner provides value with Daniel Torres riding.

Secondary Choices: Stevies Boy Blu represents Jesse Levario’s riding ability.

Longshots: Several horses in the large field offer potential value.

Pace Analysis: Allowance level creates competitive quarter horse field.

Key Angles: New Mexico bred incentives enhance competition quality.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Jose Torres maintains excellent form at Albuquerque with strong win percentage and multiple rides on today’s card. His experience on the local circuit provides significant advantage.

Fausto Da Silva brings proven stakes-riding ability, particularly notable in the O.D. McDonald Stakes aboard Attilianno.

Alfredo Juarez Jr. partners with Antonios Mark in the featured stakes, combining proven chemistry from recent victories.​

Aldo Arboleda rides multiple horses across the card with solid local knowledge and tactical ability.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Dick Cappellucci fields multiple runners with strong claiming horse statistics and developmental ability.

Alberto Amparan represents one of the leading local barns with multiple entries showcasing stable depth.

Gary Cross maintains solid statistics with older horses and claiming-level stock.

Dominic Duree trains O.D. McDonald favorite Antonios Mark with excellent recent form.​

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Best Bet: Antonios Mark in Race 5 offers the strongest win probability based on recent form and class advantage.​

Value Play: Shopping Accident in Race 1 provides solid value at claiming level with proven connections.

Longshot Special: Road to Eldorado in Race 3 offers potential value with developmental trainer and tactical speed.

Multi-Race Strategy: Focus on the Pick 3 covering Races 3-5 with Antonios Mark as single in the stakes race.