Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Sunland Park – Racing News and Analysis for March 29, 2026


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Sunland Park offers a 10-race mixed card today highlighted by two New Mexico-bred stakes at 1 1/16 miles on dirt: the New Mexico Breeders Oaks (Race 6) and New Mexico Breeders Derby (Race 7). The undercard leans heavily toward state-bred allowance and claiming races at sprint and route distances, with multiple opportunities for condition-based angles and trainer intent plays.

The dirt surface at Sunland Park typically plays fairly to forward horses, especially in sprints from 4 1/2 furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs, with inside-to-middle posts generally preferred when the track is dry and fast. Route races at 1 mile and 1 1/16 miles often reward tactical speed that can secure position into the first turn; deep closers can win but need a legit pace meltdown.

Two key focal points today are Marka (4) in the New Mexico Breeders Oaks and the Fincher trio Buy Local (2), Cash Waterfall (4), and Ghosted Again (6) in the New Mexico Breeders Derby, all of whom arrive with strong recent Sunland form and high ratings from regional handicappers.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecast models for late March in Sunland Park, New Mexico indicate a dry day with abundant sun, afternoon highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 40s, and essentially no precipitation expected. Humidity is generally low and winds moderate out of the southwest, which tends to promote a fast, drying surface rather than any sealed or tiring track scenario.

Given the absence of recent rain in the pattern and the local climate, the main track is expected to be listed as fast throughout the card, with minimal chance of changing conditions during the day.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Historical Sunland Park results through this meet show a modest but persistent tilt toward early speed and stalkers, especially in short sprints up to 6 furlongs, where horses positioned first through third at the first call have won a disproportionate share of races. At 6 1/2 furlongs, the bias moderates slightly, but forward placement is still an advantage; deep closers require either an abnormal pace collapse or significant class edge to overcome the configuration.

Post-position wise, inside-to-mid posts (1–6) perform slightly better in most dirt sprints, with the rail not being a death trap but occasionally tricky for inexperienced speed if they break slowly. In two-turn routes at 1 mile and 1 1/16 miles, inside draws (1–4) enjoy an efficiency edge into the first turn, though capable tactical riders can win from wider posts when pace and class align. There is no clear evidence this meet of a strong golden rail or dead outside lane; instead, trip and tactical positioning remain more critical than pure post bias.

Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight – 5 1/2 Furlongs (12:25 PM)

Field: Albertus (1), Selective Hearing (2), Final Trial (3), Absolute Resolve (4), Dialed Who (5), Runnin Politician (6).

This race features a potentially honest early tempo with multiple debut or lightly raced types that figure to show speed at this abbreviated trip. Absolute Resolve (4) projects as a key pace player given the Justin Evans barn's tendency to have debuting or lightly raced colts sharp from the gate. The inside pair Albertus (1) and Selective Hearing (2) are likely to be urged early to maintain rail position.

Key Contenders: Absolute Resolve (4) stands out as the main win candidate, combining a strong trainer in Justin Evans with a rider in Luis Valenzuela who has been effective with aggressive, forward rides at Sunland. Dialed Who (5), trained by Joel Marr and ridden by Ken Tohill, also deserves serious consideration as a key player.

Secondary Choices: Runnin Politician (6), with Christian Ramos up for Simon Buechler, looms as a logical secondary option who can capitalize if the inside battle compromises the favorites. Selective Hearing (2), a stablemate to Runnin Politician (6) in the Buechler barn, may provide inside speed or sit just behind the rail horse.

Longshots: Albertus (1) could trip out if he breaks cleanly and takes advantage of the rail. Final Trial (3) appears more of an underneath or developmental project at this stage.

Race 2 – Claiming – 1 Mile (12:51 PM)

Field: Lord Wimborne (1), Free Again (2), John John (3), Wild Firewater (4), Rocks A Black Suit (5), Major Contender (6), Holcombe (7).

Pace here appears moderate, with several aging geldings whose early speed has dulled but who retain enough tactical foot to avoid truly slow fractions. Free Again (2) from the Fincher barn looks capable of assuming or pressing the lead from an inside post, while John John (3) and Wild Firewater (4) figure to be close in the early stages.

Key Contenders: Free Again (2), trained by Todd Fincher and ridden by Luis Valenzuela, is a primary win candidate based on barn strength, inside draw, and potential pace control at this level. Lord Wimborne (1), a 10-year-old gelding, remains competitive in the right spots and draws the rail with Oscar Andrade Jr. up.

Secondary Choices: Rocks A Black Suit (5) profiles as a legit contender who may sit midpack and grind into the frame if the leaders falter late. Holcombe (7), from the Anthony Blea III barn, has back form that fits here and may be sharper than the running lines suggest given recent veterinarian scratch notes from a tougher allowance optional claiming spot.

Longshots: John John (3) and Wild Firewater (4) both offer minor upset potential or at least underneath appeal. Major Contender (6) may be used as a deep vertical longshot.

Race 3 – Allowance – 6 1/2 Furlongs (1:17 PM)

Field: Bertani (1), I'llhaveanotherwon (2), Man Of Mischief (3), Champagne Lane (4), Pevs Distant Drum (5), West Of Me (6).

Bertani (1) and Champagne Lane (4) project as key pace elements, with both capable of being involved early at this distance. Man Of Mischief (3) adds to the early mix. With multiple speed or pace-pressing types, the race could produce a strong early tempo that slightly favors a horse who can sit just off the leaders and finish, such as West Of Me (6) or Pevs Distant Drum (5).

Key Contenders: West Of Me (6), trained by Todd Fincher and ridden by Oscar Andrade Jr., appears as a primary win candidate with tactical speed and proven local form. Champagne Lane (4), a three-year-old gelding from the Justin Evans barn with Luis Valenzuela aboard, also rates as a key contender despite facing older horses.

Secondary Choices: Bertani (1), with Christian Ramos up for Fincher, is another logical entrant, particularly given his inside draw and likely rail-skimming trip. Pevs Distant Drum (5), trained by Bernadette Barrios with Alfredo Juarez Jr., offers a midpack, finishing style that may play well if the top four go too fast early.

Longshots: I'llhaveanotherwon (2) and Man Of Mischief (3) are both capable veterans but appear a notch below the top-tier Fincher and Evans runners on recent figures.

Race 4 – Maiden Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs NM-breds (1:43 PM)

Field: Strait N Narrow (1), Wicked Whiskey (2), Runaway Rose (3), Rampage Rose (4), Fruity Snack (5), Flaquita (6), Tormenta G G (7), Love N Be Loved (8), Spoonin Shuga (9).

Several of these fillies and mares show or project to have early speed, particularly Runaway Rose (3), Rampage Rose (4), and Fruity Snack (5), all of whom are drawn toward the middle of the gate. Expect a lively early tempo with real potential for a pace collapse, making finishing ability and trip key.

Key Contenders: Spoonin Shuga (9) emerges as a prime win candidate due to the Fincher barn's strength and the advantageous outside draw that allows her to avoid early scrimmaging. Runaway Rose (3), ridden by Christian Ramos for Joel Gonzales, appears a strong logical alternative, likely to be among the quickest from the gate.

Secondary Choices: Fruity Snack (5), in the Joel Marr barn with Luis Ramon Rodriguez, fits as a serious secondary contender with both early speed and a capable trainer. Love N Be Loved (8), ridden by Ken Tohill for Marr, adds further stable depth, with a stalking style that may play well if the early speed overdoes it.

Longshots: Strait N Narrow (1) and Wicked Whiskey (2) are rail and inside runners who may improve with the class relief. Flaquita (6), Tormenta G G (7), and Rampage Rose (4) offer longshot intrigue as pace factors or late runners.

Race 5 – Allowance – 4 1/2 Furlongs NM-breds (2:09 PM)

Field: Chance Of Snow (1), American Ballad (2), Gamblaway (3), Holdwhatyougot (4), Country Club Sport (5), Holy Bullet (6), Cowboy Campfire (7), Colfax Kid (8).

At 4 1/2 furlongs, gate speed is paramount. Chance Of Snow (1) from the rail, American Ballad (2), Gamblaway (3), Country Club Sport (5), and Cowboy Campfire (7) can all show speed. Because of the short run and sprint distance, there is little room to recover from a slow start; thus, the race is likely to favor those breaking cleanly and establishing position immediately.

Key Contenders: Country Club Sport (5), trained by Fincher with Luis Valenzuela up, rates as a primary win contender thanks to his combination of early speed, trainer form, and ideal midgate draw. Gamblaway (3), one of two Greg Green trainees with Aldo Arboleda aboard, similarly presents as a key contender, offering both speed and proven ability at short sprints.

Secondary Choices: Cowboy Campfire (7), the other Greg Green runner with Miguel Perez, may be a slightly more price-oriented option with a similar running style. Chance Of Snow (1), a filly taking on males from the Buechler barn with Kevin Carmona, receives a weight allowance and rail draw. Holy Bullet (6) previously appeared as also-eligible in a higher-level allowance spot and now lands in a more realistic spot.

Longshots: American Ballad (2), Holdwhatyougot (4), and Colfax Kid (8) all have some chance to factor but appear slightly behind the top Fincher and Green runners on paper.

Race 6 – New Mexico Breeders Oaks – 1 1/16 Miles Stakes (2:37 PM)

Field: Country Club Crush (1), Awesome Glory (2), Unwound (3), Marka (4), Holy Miss (5), I Am Paula Revere (6).

Unwound (3), Awesome Glory (2), and Holy Miss (5) provide the majority of the early speed. Marka (4) and I Am Paula Revere (6) both possess enough tactical speed to sit just behind the front line. Given the stakes setting and multiple fillies capable of early aggression, the pace could be honest to strong, setting up an ideal scenario for a high-class stalker like Marka (4) who has already proven her ability at the distance and track.

Key Contenders: Marka (4), trained by Todd Fincher with Luis Valenzuela, is the clear headline filly, having impressed when winning a stakes race over this same course and distance recently. Country Club Crush (1), from the Dallas Barton barn with Miguel Fuentes Jr., has a prior stakes win two starts back and maintains solid route form that fits this spot well.

Secondary Choices: I Am Paula Revere (6), also trained by Fincher, recently finished second in a stakes race behind Marka (4), confirming that she belongs at this level and distance. Unwound (3), for Simon Buechler with Christian Ramos, is a legitimate pace presence with enough stamina to stick around for a share.

Longshots: Awesome Glory (2) and Holy Miss (5) round out the field as slightly lower-rated but still competitive fillies.

Race 7 – New Mexico Breeders Derby – 1 1/16 Miles Stakes (3:04 PM)

Field: American Century (1), Buy Local (2), M G Rojo Loco (3), Cash Waterfall (4), Wareisthelute (5), Ghosted Again (6).

Several Derby entrants show route and sprint versatility, but the main pace appears likely to come from Cash Waterfall (4) and possibly M G Rojo Loco (3) and Wareisthelute (5). Buy Local (2) and American Century (1) figure to be tactical stalkers, with Ghosted Again (6) potentially sitting a bit farther back early before launching a sustained run.

Key Contenders: Buy Local (2), from the Fincher barn with Christian Ramos, looks like the horse to beat, benefiting from strong prior route form and a trainer with an exceptional record in these state-bred stakes. Cash Waterfall (4), also trained by Fincher with Luis Valenzuela, is a key stablemate who has speed and prior route experience.

Secondary Choices: Ghosted Again (6), another Fincher runner with Oscar Andrade Jr. up, offers a late-running alternative. American Century (1), trained by Dick Cappellucci with Luis Negron, adds depth to the field with likely improvement at the route distance. M G Rojo Loco (3) has enough talent to factor if he settles and finishes better than in prior efforts.

Longshots: Wareisthelute (5), trained by Martin Valdez-Cabral with Alejandro Medellin, appears the most likely longshot to spice up exotics.

Race 8 – Maiden Claiming – 1 Mile NM-breds (3:32 PM)

Field: American Secrets (1), Sgt Muskett (2), Tap The Prize (3), Rail Runner (4), Fight Money (5), Bye Bye Russ (6), Dashing American (7), Torreado (8), Renato's Spirit (9).

American Secrets (1) from the rail and Dashing American (7) have the potential to show early speed, with Tap The Prize (3) and Bye Bye Russ (6) also likely to be involved near the front. Given that many of these are seasoned maidens or dropping in class, the pace could be somewhat erratic, potentially leading to a staggered finish that favors whoever relaxes best and sees out the mile.

Key Contenders: American Secrets (1), from the Fincher barn with Oscar Andrade Jr., is a logical key player, backed by strong connections and a favorable inside draw. Bye Bye Russ (6), another Fincher trainee with Luis Valenzuela, adds a second serious stable chance.

Secondary Choices: Fight Money (5), trained by Dick Cappellucci with Alfredo Juarez Jr., brings a capable route profile and may step forward at the claiming level with more distance. Renato's Spirit (9), from the Bart Hone barn with Alejandro Medellin, has the outside draw that can allow a patient ride and wide, sustained run. Tap The Prize (3) fits as a tactical secondary contender.

Longshots: Sgt Muskett (2), Rail Runner (4), Dashing American (7), and Torreado (8) merit mention as possible pace players or late-running longshots.

Race 9 – Starter Optional Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs NM-breds (4:00 PM)

Field: Roll Penny Roll (1), Laugh Of The Party (2), Marquis Lights (3), Comfort J Byrd (4), Bye Bye Matty P (5), Jeeps Stride (6), Lonzo Who (7), Playing Field (8), Shug's Rocket (9).

Roll Penny Roll (1), Laugh Of The Party (2), Comfort J Byrd (4), and Lonzo Who (7) all have enough speed to be involved early, promising a solid early tempo. Given Sunland's sprint bias and the compact nature of 5 1/2 furlongs, it is still advantageous to be within striking distance early.

Key Contenders: Comfort J Byrd (4), trained by Dick Cappellucci with Luis Valenzuela, appears as a key contender with tactical speed and a midgate draw. Shug's Rocket (9), for Bennie Woolley Jr. with Luis Negron, offers a strong outside-pressing or stalking profile.

Secondary Choices: Roll Penny Roll (1) and Jeeps Stride (6), both under the care of solid local connections, are legitimate secondary choices. Playing Field (8), trained by Sherry Armstrong with Christian Ramos, adds another live stalking type. Bye Bye Matty P (5) and Laugh Of The Party (2) are capable of stepping forward in this spot.

Longshots: Marquis Lights (3) and Lonzo Who (7) offer longshot intrigue.

Race 10 – Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs NM-breds (4:20 PM)

Field: Go Water (1), Art Curator (2), Pop's Party (3), Restless Mover (4), Annie Get Ur Guns (5), K P Blamengame (6), Charlotte's Spider (7), La Bella Bella (8), High Dollar Hush (9), I Get Stormed (10).

Early pace should be solid, as Go Water (1), Pop's Party (3), Charlotte's Spider (7), and La Bella Bella (8) all have the capability to show speed or press from favorable posts. At 6 1/2 furlongs, the race can set up for a strong stalker as much as for outright speed.

Key Contenders: Go Water (1), trained by Patrick Sanchez with Miguel Perez, benefits from the rail draw and should be prominently placed throughout. High Dollar Hush (9), trained by Justin Evans with Luis Negron, offers a potent outside-stalking profile combined with a strong trainer.

Secondary Choices: K P Blamengame (6) shapes up as a solid secondary contender. La Bella Bella (8) and Pop's Party (3) both merit respect as pace-pressing or stalking types with upside at this claiming level. Charlotte's Spider (7) is another speed player who could stick around for a piece.

Longshots: Art Curator (2), Restless Mover (4), Annie Get Ur Guns (5), and I Get Stormed (10) are more longshot-oriented but should be mentioned as potential exotic boosters.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Luis Valenzuela has multiple live mounts including Absolute Resolve (4) in Race 1, Free Again (2) in Race 2, Champagne Lane (4) in Race 3, Country Club Sport (5) in Race 5, Marka (4) in Race 6, Cash Waterfall (4) in Race 7, Bye Bye Russ (6) in Race 8, and Comfort J Byrd (4) in Race 9. His aggressive, forward-riding style fits Sunland's speed-favoring tendencies.

Todd Fincher is the dominant training presence today, with key runners including Free Again (2), Bertani (1), West Of Me (6), Spoonin Shuga (9), Country Club Sport (5), Marka (4), I Am Paula Revere (6), Buy Local (2), Cash Waterfall (4), Ghosted Again (6), American Secrets (1), and Bye Bye Russ (6). His horses are typically well-placed and fit the conditions. Justin Evans also plays a significant role with Absolute Resolve (4), Champagne Lane (4), and High Dollar Hush (9).

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