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Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Sunland Park – Racing News and Analysis for March 23, 2026

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Sunland Park offers a 10-race Thoroughbred card today, March 23, 2026, highlighted by several New Mexico bred allowance events and a late maiden special weight for statebred three year olds. The dirt surface has been playing fair to slightly speed-favoring through the meet, with most recent cards run on fast, dry footing and typical desert conditions.

Field sizes are moderate to healthy throughout the day, with 6 to 9 runners in most races, which should support honest pace scenarios and decent exotic payouts. The mix of lower level claiming, starter optional claiming, and statebred allowance races makes this a good card to lean on trainer and jockey patterns, as well as recency and class form cycles, more than raw speed figures alone.

Weather and Track Conditions

Sunland Park in late March typically features dry, mild afternoons with daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s and cool mornings in the 40s to upper 40s. Today's forecast for the Sunland Park, New Mexico area calls for a high around the upper 70s with light to moderate winds and no significant precipitation, implying a fast main track for the entirety of the program.

Historical weather logs for the area in recent weeks show predominantly clear to partly cloudy skies, low humidity, and no sustained periods of moisture that would compromise the dirt surface. The track should start and remain fast, with no expectation of changing conditions between the early maiden claiming routes and the late allowance and maiden special weight sprints.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Sunland Park's dirt track is a one-mile oval that tends to favor horses with tactical speed or outright front-running ability, especially in sprints up to six and a half furlongs, where early pace and position play a critical role. Routes can be a bit fairer, though inside tactical trips still have an edge if the pace does not completely melt down.

Recent meet results have shown that the rail and inside posts are not a death sentence in sprints, but wide posts can be at a disadvantage if a horse lacks early speed and is forced to lose ground on the turn while chasing a moderate pace. Given the expected fast track and dry conditions, there is no clear, strong rail bias, but a mild preference should be given to horses that can secure a forward or stalking position from inside to mid-range posts, particularly in the five furlong and five and a half furlong events.

Race 1 – Maiden Claiming – 1 Mile Dirt (12:25 PM)

This is a small field and projects as a relatively soft pace for the level, with no confirmed pure front-runner and several grinders who tend to sit midpack or worse. Expo City (6) is the most likely candidate to show early speed given the three year old profile and barn's typical tactics, while Karaoke Hero (1) and Citizen Barrett (4) both have enough positional pace to track from the second flight.

Karaoke Hero (1) has the rail draw, an experienced older profile, and a capable local rider in Alfredo Juarez Jr., which should allow a ground saving stalk-and-pounce trip behind whichever rival shows early speed. Expo City (6) is the main pace variable and potential controlling speed, as a lightly raced three year old gelding who could move forward stretching out or getting a clean break.

Citizen Barrett (4) and Torreado (2) fit as logical underneath types with enough tactical pace to stay involved. Toni The Grrreat (3) and Street Colors (5) look like longshots and need clear improvement.

Race 2 – Starter Optional Claiming – 5 Furlongs Dirt (12:51 PM)

This sprint has multiple speed elements and projects as one of the sharper pace setups on the card, with Coyster (1), Blazing To Gold (2), Panuco (3), and Red Leader (6) all possessing significant early foot. Expect an opening quarter that is faster than par for this level, making the race ripe for a stalker with some finishing punch rather than a pure need-the-lead type.

Red Leader (6) is a key pace player and legitimate win candidate, as he can break sharply and either duel or sit just off Coyster (1) and Panuco (3) before making his move. Sweet River Baines (5) brings a deep foundation of starts and veteran class as a 12 year old warhorse who still holds his own at this level and offers value on the tote.

Coyster (1) has the rail and must commit to the front, which could either allow a wire-to-wire scenario if he clears or leave him vulnerable if he is hounded by multiple pace rivals. Runningintherain (7) can sit outside and track the speed. Blazing To Gold (2), Panuco (3), and Homer Wells (4) are longshots who need improvement.

Race 3 – Starter Optional Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt (NM Bred) (1:17 PM)

The pace shape appears reasonably honest but not suicidal, with One Mark (2) and Three Martinis (3) both capable of setting or pressing near-par fractions. Grifter (1) and American Solo (6) are tactical types who can sit in the second flight, while Daux (5) and Dora's Storm (4) are more likely to settle a few lengths off early and look to grind into the race.

One Mark (2) is a veteran eight year old with plenty of early speed, and he appears to be the most likely pacesetter in this compact group. Three Martinis (3) is a versatile four year old who can sit just off One Mark (2) and apply steady pressure before making his move in upper stretch. With Luis Negron aboard and a strong recent form profile, Three Martinis (3) may be slightly more trustworthy late than One Mark (2).

Grifter (1) is an inside tactical runner who can save ground and hope for an opening at the quarter pole. Daux (5) may not be what he once was but can still fire a strong late move if the pace gets hot. Dora's Storm (4) and American Solo (6) are longshots who need improvement.

Race 4 – Allowance Optional Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt (1:43 PM)

This race has a balanced pace scenario with several capable speed and press types: Moonshine Mischief (1), Zia Zapper (2), Winfromwithin (4), and Bart Sip Some (6) can all be involved early. The pace will likely be above average for the distance, giving a slight edge to stalkers who can sit just behind the leaders and pounce late.

Winfromwithin (4) stands out as a class horse in this group, with Justin Evans placing him in a spot where his tactical speed and finishing ability are maximized. Zia Zapper (2) is another key contender, with a consistent record and the ability to either set or press the pace under Ken Tohill.

Moonshine Mischief (1) holds the rail and could prove dangerous if he shakes loose or if the other speed riders elect to sit and rate. Catmansue (5) offers a late punch and may be the main beneficiary if the quartet of speed horses go too fast early. Aztec Sun (3) and Bart Sip Some (6) are longshots.

Race 5 – Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt (2:09 PM)

This field has a mix of speed and grinders, with Toppers At Seaside (4), Be A Pro (7), and Pray For Me Ray (3) likely to vie for or press the early lead. The overall setup leans to a contested early pace but not necessarily a meltdown, giving a slight edge to a horse who can sit just off the speed and finish.

Be A Pro (7) looks like a primary win candidate with a strong combination of tactical speed and finishing ability, plus a positive barn and rider pattern. Tatas Joe Mark (6) for the Valdez-Cabral barn is another key player, as he tends to run best when allowed to sit midpack and make one sustained drive.

Toppers At Seaside (4) has early speed and can be dangerous if he shakes clear and controls a moderate pace. Piney Bluff (5) offers some late interest as a six year old who can plod into the trifecta if the race collapses even slightly. Holland (1), Shame On Sam (2), and Pray For Me Ray (3) are longshots.

Race 6 – Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt (NM Bred F&M NW2L) (2:37 PM)

Proceedtothefront (1), Your Money (2), Musical Money (5), and Punkin Puddin (6) all have enough early lick to vie for forward positions in the opening furlong. The race should have an above-average pace, making trip and late energy distribution key.

Punkin Puddin (6) for Todd Fincher is a major player, given the barn's strong record with statebred fillies and mares and the presence of Luis Valenzuela in the saddle. All Marked Up (8) is a lightly raced three year old with upside and a good outside draw that allows her to see the race develop inside.

Your Money (2) and Proceedtothefront (1) both have early speed and could be dangerous if they clear and avoid a prolonged duel. Trump Dance (7) is another three year old who may move forward with more experience. Marked Ace (3), Regal's Charm (4), and Musical Money (5) are longshots.

Race 7 – Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt (NM Bred F&M NW3L) (3:04 PM)

Mo Money Molly (1), Thatsaterriblidea (3), and Shez Punctual (4) project as the primary early pace players, with Mo Money Molly (1) likely to gun from the inside under Oscar Andrade Jr. The overall profile is that of a race with an honest, possibly strong, early pace.

Thatsaterriblidea (3) has excellent current form, with recent efforts showing strong figures and the ability to sit pressing trips and finish. Mo Money Molly (1) is a talented filly with good speed and is trained by Todd Fincher, who excels with New Mexico bred runners in this category.

Make Up A Story (6) is a consistent mare who may benefit if the duel between Mo Money Molly (1) and Thatsaterriblidea (3) gets too heated. Leonas Girl (5), while coming off a prior vet scratch, has enough back class to be considered for minor awards. Hoodwinked Kate (2), Shez Punctual (4), and Ms Tres Morena (7) are longshots.

Race 8 – Allowance – 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt (NM Bred NW2L) (3:32 PM)

Exit Strategy (1), Sunshine Lute (2), American Ballad (5), and Holy Bullet (6) all possess some early speed, with Exit Strategy (1) likely to take advantage of the rail and go forward. The pace should be strong but not necessarily destructive, favoring classy stalkers and outside speed.

Adiel (3) is a highly regarded runner in this spot, with probable favoritism based on his strong form line and prior performances at Sunland Park. Exit Strategy (1) has a good rail draw and the ability to show early speed under Ken Tohill, with Joel Marr training.

American Ballad (5) is a three year old with upside and strong recent efforts. Call Me Ray (8) from the outside has Luis Negron up and could get a good overview of the race, sitting midpack and launching a wide late run. Sunshine Lute (2), Holdwhatyougot (4), Holy Bullet (6), and He's A Genius (7) are longshots.

Race 9 – Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt (NM Bred F&M) (4:00 PM)

Julia's Promise (1), Run Away Bay (2), Right For You (3), and Honky Tonk Honey (4) all bring tactical or outright speed to the table, suggesting a contested early pace. Mark It Down (5) and Bye Bye Holley (6) can sit just off that group and may be best positioned to take advantage if the opening fractions are above par.

Mark It Down (5) figures as a key contender, having been installed as a short morning line choice in some early markets and possessing strong recent form at this level. Right For You (3) is another top player, with a recent win over many of today's rivals and the ability to sit just off the leaders.

Run Away Bay (2) and Bye Bye Holley (6) both fit as strong secondary contenders. Honky Tonk Honey (4) and Julia's Promise (1) have enough speed to be dangerous if they secure favorable trips. Trust Anabelle (7), Sapello Samba (8), and Queen Hadassah (9) are longshots.

Race 10 – Maiden Special Weight – 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt (NM Bred 3YO) (4:20 PM)

My Nekoda (1), Hold My Scotch (3), South Of Richmond (4), and Mark My Kiss (5) all profile as potential early pace factors, with My Nekoda (1) likely to use the rail to secure a forward position. The overall shape looks like an honest but not blazing early pace, with several inexperienced horses still figuring out their running styles.

Mark My Kiss (5) for Todd Fincher stands out as a key win candidate, with Tanner Fincher listed as the rider and a strong barn pattern in maiden special weight spots with New Mexico bred three year olds. Hold My Scotch (3) is another key contender, with Luis Negron up for Casey Lambert and a likely forward trip from an inside-middle draw.

My Nekoda (1) has the rail and the advantage of a ground-saving trip. Made American (9) on the far outside is a well-drawn colt for Martin Valdez-Cabral with Olaf Hernandez up. Mendocina (2), South Of Richmond (4), Comfort Cash (6), Sombrero Negro (7), and Nightly Peace (8) are longshots.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Luis Negron remains one of the most effective local riders at Sunland Park, especially on speed and tactical types in sprints and extended sprints. His aggressive style and ability to secure early position make his mounts especially dangerous on a track that often rewards speed and tactical placement. Alfredo Juarez Jr. also holds a strong record locally, particularly when riding for barns like Fincher and Valdez-Cabral. His patience in stalking trips and strong finishing timing are well suited to the types of horses he rides today.

Longstanding local riders Ken Tohill, Oscar Andrade Jr., and Alejandro Medellin show reliable patterns that should be respected. Tohill excels in using the rail, while Andrade Jr. is adept with front-running or pressing sprinters. Medellin has several live price-type mounts and his familiarity with the track's configuration can help outrun odds.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Todd Fincher remains one of the dominant trainers on the Sunland Park circuit, particularly with New Mexico bred horses and younger stock. His horses are typically well placed, fit, and ready off minimal layoffs, and he is particularly dangerous in maiden special weights and statebred allowance races.

Justin Evans also has a strong hand on the card. Evans excels at claiming and improving horses rapidly, and his runners often show sharp early speed and good consistency. Martin Valdez-Cabral is another important player. This barn does well with New Mexico bred stock and often sends out live runners at generous prices, particularly in claiming and allowance spots.

Other notable trainers include Dick Cappellucci and Joel Marr. Bettors should also respect barns like Dallas Barton, Casey Lambert, and Simon Buechler with competitive fillies and mares later on the card.

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