Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!

Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!

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 resumes live racing on January 26 after a cancellation the previous day due to weather. The nine-race card features a mix of New Mexico-bred restricted races, maiden contests, claiming events, and allowance races. Post times begin at 12:25 PM, with races scheduled through 4:00 PM. The purse structure includes stakes-level events and several competitive claiming and maiden races, providing a solid day of betting opportunities for handicappers.

Weather and Track Conditions

Current forecasts indicate clear skies with temperatures ranging from the upper 30s at first post to the low 50s by mid-afternoon. Winds are expected to be calm, typically out of the west at 8-10 miles per hour. The dirt track is expected to be listed as “Fast,” typical for late January racing at Sunland Park. The surface has excellent drainage and provides consistent footing throughout the day. No moisture is anticipated, ensuring optimal conditions for all races.

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

Sunland Park demonstrates a moderate early-speed bias in sprint races (5.5 to 6.5 furlongs), with posts 3 through 8 generally providing the best positioning. Rail posts (1-2) can be challenging due to early traffic congestion, while extreme outside posts (7-8) often require horses to cover extra ground. Route races (1 mile) are more balanced, allowing closers more opportunity to rally if pace dynamics unfold favorably.

Race Notes and Key Contenders

Race 1: Maiden Special Weight – 5.5F

• Mighty Money (Dick Cappellucci/Alfredo Juarez Jr) is the morning-line favorite despite being a first-time starter, backed by the meet’s top trainer-jockey combo.
• D C Call Me George (Hermenegildo Aldavaz/Oscar Andrade Jr) brings actual racing experience and a solid third-place finish in stronger company.
• Pass the Test (Greg Green/Miguel Perez) has placed in two previous efforts and is a consistent threat.

Race 2: Maiden Claiming – Fillies, 5.5F

• Michiga (Casey Lambert/Luis Negron) is the likely favorite, with solid recent form and strong connections.
• Haddonfield (Casey Lambert/Alfredo Juarez Jr) is the barn’s second entry and a legitimate threat.
• Velvet Billet (Bradley Bolen/Alfredo Sigala) and Mischiefinthe Nile (Edwin Martinez/Luis Ramon Rodriguez) are secondary contenders.

Race 3: Claiming – 6F

• Truckin (Sherry Armstrong/Alfredo Juarez Jr) is the 2-1 favorite, exiting a third-place finish at course and distance.
• John John (Dick Cappellucci/Luis Negron) is the 5-2 second choice, dropping in trip after a good second-place finish.
• Vols (Daniel Hernandez/Alejandro Medellin) and Lovesunfair (Daniel Hernandez/Oscar Andrade Jr) are value picks.

Race 4: Maiden Claiming – NM Bred Fillies/Mares, 6.5F

• Friday Nite Fancy (Dick Cappellucci/Alfredo Juarez Jr) is the 2-1 favorite with consistent recent form.
• My Kentucky Chrome (Casey Lambert/Luis Negron) finished close second last time and is a strong secondary choice.
• Attila Style (Martin Valdez-Cabral/Christian Ramos) brings experience and is the 5-2 second choice.

Race 5: Claiming – Fillies/Mares, 6.5F

• Jasmine Baby (Jose Gonzalez/Jose Miguel Vazquez) is the 7-2 favorite, finishing close second at course and distance last time.
• Wild Steel (Greg Green/Miguel Perez) is the 3-1 second choice, with strong recent form.
• Sophisticat (Casey Lambert/Luis Negron) and True Lovin (Greg Green/Francisco Amparan) are secondary picks.

Race 6: Allowance – NM Bred, 6F

• Dave’s Enchantment (Alberto Amparan/Francisco Amparan) is the 5-2 favorite, stepping down from stakes company.
• I Think I’m Here (Lillian Silva/Alfredo Sigala) is the 2-1 second choice, with consistent allowance form.
• Attilianno (Justin Evans/Christian Ramos) and Probate (Alberto Amparan/Alfredo Juarez Jr) are secondary choices.

Race 7: Claiming – 1 Mile

• Hello Hot Rod (Dick Cappellucci/Alfredo Juarez Jr) is the top contender, with the meet’s leading trainer-jockey combo.
• Vinniebob (Filiberto Quiroz/Enrique Portillo Gomez) and Kirby Derby (Dick Cappellucci/Luis Negron) are secondary picks.

Race 8: Allowance – Fillies/Mares, 5.5F

• Tiz the Spirit (Todd Fincher/Luis Valenzuela) is the 3-1 favorite, with strong recent form.
• Native Charmer (Justin Evans/Luis Negron) is the 7-2 second choice, stepping down in class.
• Chandon (Bart Hone/Alfredo Juarez Jr) and Power Connection (Todd Fincher/Olaf Hernandez) are secondary picks.

Race 9: Claiming – 6.5F

• Sexy Dexy (Sherry Armstrong/Ricardo Jaime) is the 8-5 favorite, dropping in class after competing in tougher races.
• We Need Marketing (Filiberto Quiroz/Luis Negron) is the 4-1 second choice, with good recent form.
• Daddy What If (Gary Cross/Olaf Hernandez) and Coastal Fog (Adam Archuleta/Jose Miguel Vazquez) are secondary picks.

Jockey Notes

• Alfredo Juarez Jr leads all riders with a 29% win rate and is in high demand for top contenders.
• Christian Ramos is second in wins and consistently delivers solid results.
• Luis Valenzuela, Luis Negron, and Francisco Amparan are regular leading riders with strong statistics.
• Enrique Portillo Gomez and Oscar Andrade Jr have also posted solid numbers.

Trainer Notes

• Dick Cappellucci is the meet’s leading trainer with a 27% win rate and multiple stakes victories.
• Sherry Armstrong, Todd Fincher, Casey Lambert, and Martin Valdez-Cabral are also performing well.
• Greg Green and other trainers are competitive but have lower strike rates.

Longshots

• Vols (Race 3) is listed at 5-1 with expert support.
• Attila Style (Race 4) is 5-2 and brings experience.
• Sophisticat (Race 5) is 9-2 and steps up from maiden company.
• Attilianno (Race 6) is 6-1 with the meet’s leading jockey.
• Kirby Derby (Race 7) is a value pick in a competitive field.
• Chandon (Race 8) is 4-1 with consistent form.
• Daddy What If (Race 9) is 9-2 with solid connections.