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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 Racetrack and Casino presents a nine-race card this Sunday, February 8, 2026. The highlight of the afternoon is the 80,000 dollar La Coneja Stakes, a six-furlong sprint for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares. The card features a mix of claiming, maiden, and allowance races, with several fields attracting competitive entries from top local barns. The return of Corrina Corrina in the feature race is the focal point of the day, as she looks to re-establish her dominance in the division.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Sunland Park calls for mostly sunny skies with a high temperature reaching 68 degrees Fahrenheit. These are ideal conditions for racing. The track surface has been well-maintained following earlier weather events in the meet. The dirt track is expected to be rated Fast.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
The main track at Sunland Park traditionally favors speed, particularly in sprint races ranging from 5 to 6 furlongs. Horses capable of securing the early lead or stalking from a close position often hold a distinct advantage. The inside rail, specifically post position 1, is often a strong starting spot in 5-furlong sprints due to the short run into the turn. In the longer route races, tactical speed remains crucial, though a hot pace can bring closers into contention.
Race 1 Analysis
The opener is a 5-furlong starter optional claiming event. The pace scenario suggests Teddy’s Triumph will push for the lead from the rail, with Tsunami Gold and Good Lovin likely applying pressure. If the leaders engage in a destructive speed duel, it could set up the race for a stalker.
The primary contender is Blue Cheese Olive, a gelding who fits this class level well and should secure a favorable trip just behind the early speed. Good Lovin, trained by Justin Evans, is another major threat despite the outside post, as he drops into a competitive spot. Teddy’s Triumph is a secondary option who could prove difficult to catch if he breaks cleanly and clears the field early without expending too much energy. Laugh of the Party is an alternative consideration for the lower rungs of the exotics.
Race 2 Analysis
This claiming race for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares covers 5 furlongs. Marksalot draws the favorable rail post and represents the Todd Fincher barn, which is known for having horses sharp away from the gate. American Cherub also possesses speed figures that suggest she will be part of the early mix.
Marksalot is the clear horse to beat given her connections and post position advantage. American Cherub, conditioned by Dick Cappellucci, is the logical main danger and should be positioned right off the favorite. Charlotte’s Spider is a secondary choice who may lack the raw speed of the top pair but could pick up position if the pace collapses. K P Blamengame offers potential as an alternative choice.
Race 3 Analysis
A field of 12 lines up for this 5 1/2 furlong claiming race. Rapid Expansion and Held for Ransom are expected to show early initiative. Beer Money is a consistent runner at this level who often finds himself in the mix.
Beer Money is the top selection, spotted well by trainer Jeffrey Trujillo and drawing a post that avoids potential traffic trouble inside. Rapid Expansion is dangerous from the inside if he can secure a clean break. Secondary interest falls on Rio Cutie and Held for Ransom, both of whom draw outside posts that allow their riders to assess the pace before committing.
Race 4 Analysis
This 6 1/2 furlong maiden claiming race for New Mexico-breds features a field where young horses often show significant improvement. Bye Bye Russ represents the Todd Fincher barn and is expected to be forwardly placed.
Green Is the Daddy is a strong contender despite the rail draw, as his form suggests he is ready to break his maiden. Bye Bye Russ is the primary threat, with the expectation of a step forward in performance. No Mask Required has shown flashes of ability that fit this class level and serves as a solid secondary choice. Gold Collector is an alternative for deeper considerations.
Race 5 Analysis
The fifth race is a 6 1/2 furlong claiming event. Touch Of Glam and Third Street are likely to control the race narrative. Both hail from high-percentage barns in Dick Cappellucci and Justin Evans, respectively.
Third Street is the top choice, bringing tactical speed and a strong trainer-jockey combination. Touch Of Glam is the main danger, though the post position is a slight hurdle at this distance. Ham Sandwich is a secondary contender to watch, while Wegonahavagoodtime serves as an alternative option.
Race 6 Analysis
A compact field of seven contests this 1-mile Allowance Optional Claiming race. Hardy Boy has the rail and the necessary route speed to be effective. Trainer Joel Marr sends out a strong pair with Hardy Boy and George Who.
Hardy Boy is the selection to control the tempo from the inside; loose leaders at a mile here are dangerous. His stablemate, George Who, is the logical closer should the pace heat up, giving the Marr barn a strong hand. American Solo is a consistent runner who fits as a secondary choice. B Bold Charlie is an alternative consideration.
Race 7 Analysis
This 5 1/2 furlong Allowance race features two standouts in West of Me and Stonehenge. Both possess high speed figures and are the class of the field.
West of Me, trained by Todd Fincher, is expected to be right there at the wire. Stonehenge, from the Justin Evans barn, is the primary rival, and these two could separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Ilean Right is a secondary choice for underneath positions, while Honor the Giants is an alternative longshot.
Race 8 Analysis
The feature race is the La Coneja Stakes at 6 furlongs. Corrina Corrina is a stalker who does not need the lead to win, while Run Away Bay and Mo Money Time may go out to set the pace.
Corrina Corrina is the standout contender as a multiple stakes winner and the richest New Mexico-bred female in history. She looks to bounce back from a recent loss to Mo Money Time. First Again is a quality mare who can capitalize if the favorite falters, making her a solid secondary choice. Mo Money Time, having beaten the favorite recently, must be respected as a live longshot but faces a tough task to repeat that performance.
Race 9 Analysis
The nightcap is a 6 1/2 furlong claiming event. Blocked drops into a very winnable spot and appears to be the class of the field.
Blocked is the clear top choice, having faced much tougher company previously. Ten Figures has been in good form and is the most likely runner-up and secondary choice. Pray for Me Ray is a consideration for the minor awards, with Cog serving as an alternative option.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Tracy Hebert remains a rider to watch in stakes competition, particularly with his understanding of Corrina Corrina in the feature. The battle between Luis Negron and Christian Ramos continues, with Negron’s rides for Justin Evans being statistically significant. Alfredo Juarez Jr. is a veteran to watch on ground-saving trips, especially with American Cherub in Race 2 and Touch Of Glam in Race 5.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Justin Evans has entries in multiple races and is known for aggressive spotting, placing horses like Blocked in Race 9 where they can be dominant. Todd Fincher is a key trainer to watch with young horses in maiden and allowance races, specifically in Races 2, 4, and 7. Joel Marr holds a strong hand in Race 6 with two entries that cover both the early speed and closing scenarios.
