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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.
Sunland Park welcomes racing fans for a competitive nine-race program this Monday, February 23, 2026. The card offers a diverse mix of claiming events, maiden special weights, and a high-quality allowance optional claiming feature in Race 5. With healthy field sizes and several key scratches, handicappers should find ample opportunities for value throughout the afternoon. The Justin Evans and Todd Fincher barns are well-represented, and their runners are expected to play a major role in the outcome of several races.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Sunland Park is ideal for racing, with clear, sunny skies and a high temperature of 67 degrees. Humidity remains low at approximately 14 percent, with no precipitation expected. Winds will be steady from the east at 10 miles per hour. Consequently, the sandy loam dirt oval is labeled as fast. At Sunland Park, the 990-foot stretch run often gives horses a fair chance, but the 80-foot width can lead to traffic issues for those attempting to rally from the back of the pack.
Track Bias
Track dynamics are expected to vary by distance. In the five and five-and-a-half-furlong sprints, a distinct advantage typically goes to early speed and horses drawn in the inside four post positions. Conversely, the one-mile route races tend to play more fairly, often favoring tactical stalkers or closers when a fast early pace is contested. Speed remains the primary weapon in short dashes, while stamina and positioning are paramount in the two-turn events.
Race Analysis
Race 1 – Claiming (5 Furlongs)
With the scratches of Wegonahavagoodtime and Laugh of the Party, the pace will be dictated by Leap Day and Mickeys Gold. Leap Day (5) is the primary contender, dropping into a suitable claiming spot with solid morning works. Mickeys Gold (2) is a veteran with enough speed to challenge from the rail. Doras Storm (3) is the logical secondary choice to pick up pieces if the duel is too hot, while Wind River (7) serves as a longshot candidate with back-class potential.
Race 2 – Maiden Special Weight (6 1/2 Furlongs)
Thetribehasspoken (4) is the standout contender for trainer Justin Evans, benefitting from a weight allowance and the services of Luis Valenzuela. Conclave (1) is a key threat from the rail after flashing talent in the mornings. Secondary choices include Gangster (5), who should be prominent early, and Honor the Giants (2). The longshot to watch is the three-year-old Lion Throne (6), who possesses significant upside.
Race 3 – Claiming (6 1/2 Furlongs)
Fifth Street (3) is the expected pacesetter and a strong win candidate for the Evans barn. However, What Do You Mean (5) is a dangerous tactical stalker who could capitalize if the leader tires. Secondary honors go to the consistent Stackers (2) and Handmedown d’Oro (6). American Ballad (7) is a young longshot whose speed figures suggest he is improving.
Race 4 – Starter Optional Claiming (6 1/2 Furlongs)
A fierce speed duel is expected between Good Lovin (4) and Touch Of Glam (3). This setup makes Coastal Fog (1) a primary contender to sweep past the leaders late. Blocked (2) remains a consistent secondary choice in this class. Axton (6) is the longshot play, capable of surprising if the favorites falter in a pace meltdown.
Race 5 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 Mile)
Count Dracula (2) enters as the class of the field, well-suited for the distance and tactical demands of this route. Stablemate Listentothemusic (4) is the other key contender, providing a potent one-two punch for Justin Evans. What a Dude (1) and Holcombe (5) are the secondary options, while the veteran Bender (6) is a longshot closer who could benefit from an unexpected pace collapse.
Race 6 – Claiming (1 Mile)
Sapello Sicario (2) looks to control the race from the front, dropping in class to a level where he holds a distinct advantage. Desert Punk (6) is the primary secondary choice, using his closing kick to challenge late. Grifter (1) and The Last Feat (4) are viable contenders for the minor shares, while Nobodys Perfect (8) is an intriguing longshot stretching out to a mile.
Race 7 – Claiming (5 Furlongs)
Royal Lineage (2) holds a clear pace advantage and will attempt to lead from start to finish. Malibu Sangria (3) is the main threat, likely to track the speed and strike late. Secondary choices include the tactically fast Lovesunfair (4) and the rail-skimming Juana Rumble (1). My Addiction (8) is the longshot possibility if the sprint pace is overly aggressive.
Race 8 – Allowance (6 1/2 Furlongs)
The uncoupled entry of Beers On Me (1) and Forty Seven (6) for Justin Evans looks formidable. Beers On Me holds the rail and the speed edge. West of Me (2) is a high-quality secondary choice from the Todd Fincher barn, along with the consistent Ilean Right (4). Rookie Numbers (5) is the longshot upstart attempting to jump from maiden company.
Race 9 – Maiden Special Weight (5 1/2 Furlongs)
Perfect Ruler (5) is the key contender here, representing the powerful Fincher-Valenzuela duo. Mighty Money (2) is another top threat with impressive workout times. Secondary choices include the experienced Comfort Cash (3) and Ghosted Again (7). Nightly Peace (11) is the longshot to include if he can overcome an outside draw.
