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Based on current information, live racing at Sunland Park faces significant weather-related challenges today, Sunday, January 25, 2026. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11:00 AM MST, with reports indicating snow accumulations up to 3 inches and light rain throughout the day. Track officials cancelled Saturday racing due to inclement weather conditions, and as of early this morning, no final decision had been announced regarding Sunday’s card.
El Paso area weather shows a high of 45°F with a low of 35°F, humidity at 74 percent, and sustained winds of 13 mph creating a wind chill of 34°F. These conditions create slippery track surfaces and reduced visibility that can compromise both horse and rider safety. Horseplayers should confirm racing status before making wagering commitments, as the nine-race thoroughbred program may be subject to last-minute cancellation or modification.
Track Profile and Conditions
Sunland Park operates as a one-mile dirt oval located in Sunland Park, New Mexico, immediately adjacent to El Paso, Texas. The track configuration includes a 950-foot homestretch and relatively short run-ups to the first turn, creating tactical scenarios where early speed can establish controlling positions without excessive energy expenditure. The racing surface typically exhibits fast characteristics that reward horses demonstrating tactical positioning and sustained acceleration patterns.
Historical performance data compiled over multiple racing seasons reveals Sunland Park demonstrates a moderate early-speed bias, particularly pronounced in sprint races contested at distances between four and one-half furlongs through six and one-half furlongs. The track’s one-mile circumference with compact turns creates scenarios where horses demonstrating early tactical speed can dictate race flow and establish favorable positions before reaching the initial bend.
Post positions three through eight emerge as statistically optimal starting gates across most distance configurations. These middle-to-outside draws provide jockeys tactical flexibility to avoid early congestion while maintaining striking distance as the field sorts through the opening quarter-mile. The rail post presents challenges when horses break slowly or lack natural early speed, as traffic congestion frequently develops along the inside path during the opening furlongs. Conversely, extreme outside posts in full fields force runners to cover additional ground when navigating the tight first turn.
If weather conditions permit racing to proceed, the precipitation-affected surface will likely play slower than typical fast ratings, potentially neutralizing some early-speed advantages while creating ground-saving inside paths for horses with tactical positioning. Jockeys must balance aggressive early moves against energy conservation on a track that may require additional effort for forward progress.
First Race – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 12:25 PM
The opening maiden special weight for four-year-olds and upward features seven runners at 6.5 furlongs following scratches of Conclave and Smoothwhskygoindwn. The $25,200 purse attracts first-time starters and lightly raced horses seeking breakthrough victories in this non-claiming division that establishes base value before horses potentially move to claiming ranks or allowance conditions.
Pace Analysis
The compact seven-horse field creates manageable pace scenarios with multiple horses demonstrating inclination toward early forward placement. Gangster from the seven post brings tactical speed for trainer Jeff Hudson with jockey Alfredo Juarez Jr, while Honor the Giants from the five position shows breeding suggesting forward intent. The relatively small field reduces likelihood of suicidal early fractions, creating conditions favoring horses who can secure position through the opening quarter without excessive energy expenditure before accelerating on the turn.
At 6.5 furlongs, horses must demonstrate both early tactical speed to avoid trouble and sustained acceleration to prevail through the stretch. The distance falls within Sunland’s early-speed bias zone, suggesting horses racing within two lengths of the lead at the half-mile call hold significant advantages over deep closers.
Key Contenders
Gangster draws the outside seven post for trainer Jeff Hudson with leading rider Alfredo Juarez Jr. The four-year-old gelding benefits from Juarez’s exceptional 25.33 percent win rate at Sunland Park accumulated over 2,373 career starts at the venue. The outside post in the reduced field provides tactical options while avoiding potential inside congestion. Hudson operates a competitive stable capable of winning at this maiden level.
Blcherrimanhattan represents the Simon Buechler barn from post one with jockey Olaf Hernandez. The four-year-old filly encounters challenges from the rail post without demonstrated early speed, though Buechler trains quality horses competitive in New Mexico-bred restricted company. The rail post demands either exceptional gate speed or patient tactical riding to secure clear running room.
Street Colors breaks from post two for trainer Taurino Gutierrez with Alejandro Medellin riding. The outside post provides tactical flexibility for this four-year-old filly making her career debut. Medellin brings solid credentials though operating below the elite tier of Sunland jockeys.
Selections
Win: Gangster
Place: Honor the Giants
Show: Thetribehasspoken
Second Race – Maiden Claiming $6,500
Post Time: 12:51 PM
The maiden claiming sprint at 5.5 furlongs for fillies and mares four years old and upward carries a $9,700 purse at the $6,500 claiming level. This bottom-tier maiden division features horses with limited ability or physical issues that prevent competition at higher claiming prices. The abbreviated distance and claiming structure create unpredictable race dynamics where any entrant possessing clean early speed can control proceedings.
Pace Analysis
Morning line odds establish Oscar Night as the 5-to-2 favorite with Girvinitallshesgot listed at 3-to-1 and Danjerus Cloud at 4-to-1. Multiple fillies demonstrate early-speed inclinations, creating potential for honest opening fractions. At 5.5 furlongs, horses must break alertly and secure position through the opening quarter before the field enters the lone turn. The abbreviated distance amplifies Sunland’s early-speed bias, as deep closers rarely overcome deficit exceeding three lengths at the quarter-pole.
Oscar Night, Girvinitallshesgot, and Supercalifragilist figure to contest early positioning, establishing pace dynamics that determine whether the race sets up for speed or late-running types. Maiden claiming fillies at this level frequently demonstrate inconsistent gate behavior and uncertain tactical positioning, creating scenarios where trip handicapping becomes paramount.
Key Contenders
Oscar Night breaks from the seven post for trainer Filiberto Quiroz with jockey Enrique Portillo Gomez. The four-year-old filly draws favorable 5-to-2 morning line odds reflecting handicapper respect for her chances. The outside post in the eight-horse field creates manageable positioning challenges while providing clear early running room. Quiroz operates a competitive claiming stable at Sunland Park.
Girvinitallshesgot represents trainer Bradley Bolen from post two with Luis Valenzuela riding. The five-year-old mare benefits from Valenzuela’s tactical awareness and strong recent form at the meet. The two post provides inside positioning advantages if the mare demonstrates sufficient gate speed to avoid early traffic. Bolen trains horses competitive at this claiming level.
Danjerus Cloud enters from the five post for trainer Sherry Armstrong with Ricardo Jaime riding. The four-year-old filly breaks from a neutral mid-pack post providing tactical options. Armstrong trains multiple horses across today’s card, suggesting confidence in stable form entering the weekend program.
Selections
Win: Oscar Night
Place: Girvinitallshesgot
Show: Danjerus Cloud
Third Race – Claiming $5,000 NM-Bred
Post Time: 1:17 PM
The $14,100 claiming sprint at five furlongs restricted to registered New Mexico-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward who have never won three races carries condition-eligibility-preferred designation. This mid-afternoon assignment features state-bred runners competing at the $5,000 claiming price, establishing moderate class level for mares demonstrating limited winning ability. The abbreviated five-furlong distance creates premium on gate speed and early positioning.
Pace Analysis
The compact distance demands horses break alertly and establish position through the opening eighth before the field enters Sunland’s lone turn. High Dollar Hush, Art Curator, and Charlotte’s Spider figure as likely pace factors based on post positions and breeding patterns. At five furlongs, any horse trailing by more than two lengths at the quarter-pole faces significant deficits overcome only through exceptional late acceleration rarely demonstrated at this claiming price.
New Mexico-bred fillies competing at the $5,000 claiming level typically demonstrate moderate speed figures and tactical limitations that prevent advancement to higher class levels. The condition requiring horses who have never won three races creates competitive balance while eliminating proven multiple winners who would dominate this assignment.
Key Contenders
High Dollar Hush breaks from the three post for trainer Justin Evans with Luis Valenzuela riding. The six-year-old mare benefits from Valenzuela’s tactical expertise and demonstrated ability at sprint distances. Evans trains multiple horses on today’s card, suggesting stable form entering the weekend program. The three post provides optimal positioning for early tactical speed.
La Bella Bella represents trainer Jose Gonzalez Jr from the two post with Oscar Andrade Jr riding. The four-year-old filly draws inside positioning that creates advantages if she demonstrates sufficient gate speed. The reduced field creates manageable early congestion scenarios.
Art Curator enters from the four post for trainer Jimmy Collier with Ken Tohill riding. The scratch watch lists Art Curator as scratched for veterinary reasons, removing this potential contender from consideration.
Selections
Win: High Dollar Hush
Place: La Bella Bella
Show: Charlotte’s Spider
Fourth Race – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 1:43 PM
The allowance optional claiming route at one mile for four-year-olds and upward carries a substantial $29,800 purse and restricts entry to horses who have not won a race other than maiden, claiming, or starter since January 25, 2025, or those entered for the $20,000 claiming price. This mid-afternoon feature represents the highest class level of the early card, attracting quality horses stepping up from claiming ranks or lightly raced allowance types seeking lucrative purse opportunities.
Pace Analysis
The six-horse field and route distance create measured pace development with no horse demonstrating overwhelming early speed. Listentothemusic and What a Dude figure to establish moderate opening fractions, allowing horses with sustained rally patterns to mount effective bids approaching the stretch. At one mile, closers possess sufficient distance to overcome early positional deficits through sustained acceleration, though tactical speed remains advantageous for avoiding traffic and securing clear running room.
Recent form patterns suggest Listentothemusic won a similar allowance optional claiming event at Turf Paradise on December 17, 2025, establishing baseline ability for this assignment. The Justin Evans trainee brings proven tactical speed and closing kick effective at route distances.
Key Contenders
Listentothemusic breaks from post one for trainer Justin Evans with Luis Valenzuela riding. The six-year-old gelding returns to familiar Sunland environs after successful Arizona campaign, demonstrating tactical speed patterns effective at route distances. The rail post creates manageable positioning challenges with patient jockeyship, and Valenzuela possesses tactical awareness to secure clear running room. Evans trains this gelding with confidence after recent allowance success.
Barossa represents trainer Sherry Armstrong from the three post with Christian Ramos riding. The seven-year-old gelding brings experience and proven ability at route distances. Armstrong operates multiple horses across today’s card, suggesting stable form. The three post provides optimal tactical positioning for a horse demonstrating tactical speed.
What a Dude enters from the five post for trainer Miguel Hernandez with Miguel Perez riding. The seven-year-old gelding possesses route experience and tactical patterns suggesting comfort at the one-mile distance. The five post provides outside positioning advantages for a horse requiring clear early running room.
Selections
Win: Listentothemusic
Place: What a Dude
Show: Barossa
Fifth Race – Claiming $7,500
Post Time: 2:09 PM
The claiming sprint at 4.5 furlongs for four-year-olds and upward who have never won three races carries a $12,200 purse at the $7,500 claiming price with New Mexico-bred claiming price at $10,000. Morning line odds establish Western Grit as the 5-to-2 favorite, with Narizon at 3-to-1 and Rapid Expansion at 4-to-1. The abbreviated distance creates premium on gate speed, as horses trailing significantly after the opening quarter face nearly insurmountable deficits.
Pace Analysis
The compact 4.5-furlong distance represents Sunland’s shortest sprint assignment, demanding horses demonstrate explosive gate speed and early acceleration. Western Grit, Checksforcharlie, and Rainbow Crest figure as likely pace factors through the opening eighth. At this abbreviated distance, the race essentially becomes decided through the opening quarter-mile, with closing types demonstrating minimal opportunity to overcome early positional disadvantages.
The eight-horse field creates manageable early congestion scenarios, though any horse breaking slowly faces significant disadvantages on the tight Sunland Park oval. The claiming price of $7,500 suggests horses demonstrate moderate ability with physical limitations preventing advancement to allowance ranks.
Key Contenders
Western Grit breaks from the three post for trainer James Crotts with Luis Valenzuela riding. The five-year-old gelding draws 5-to-2 favoritism reflecting handicapper confidence in his chances. The three post provides optimal positioning for early forward placement, and Valenzuela brings tactical expertise accumulated through extensive Sunland experience. Recent form suggests Western Grit competed in similar claiming company on January 24 at Sunland Park.
Narizon represents trainer Juan Pablo Silva from the six post with Luis Negron riding. The four-year-old gelding benefits from Negron’s reported strong meet statistics, though verification proves limited. Recent workout activity at Turf Paradise on January 12, 2026, suggests fitness entering this assignment. The six post provides outside positioning requiring aggressive early positioning.
Rapid Expansion enters from the four post for trainer Sherry Armstrong with Christian Ramos riding. The seven-year-old gelding brings experience and proven ability at sprint distances. Armstrong trains this gelding with confidence after demonstrated success at similar claiming levels. The four post provides neutral tactical positioning.
Selections
Win: Western Grit
Place: Narizon
Show: Rapid Expansion
Sixth Race – Claiming $7,500
Post Time: 2:37 PM
The claiming route at 6.5 furlongs for four-year-olds and upward who have not won a race since January 25, 2025, or have never won four races carries a $12,600 purse at the $7,500 claiming price with New Mexico-bred claiming price at $10,000. The eight-horse field features seasoned claiming horses competing at moderate class levels, with several entrants demonstrating extensive racing experience.
Pace Analysis
Touch Of Glam from Argentina enters from the five post bringing proven stakes credentials from Kentucky racing circuits. The five-year-old gelding trained by Dick Cappellucci with Alfredo Juarez Jr riding transitions from higher-level competition to this moderate claiming assignment, suggesting connections believe the class drop creates favorable winning opportunity.
Blocked represents trainer Justin Evans from the seven post with Luis Valenzuela riding. The six-year-old gelding benefits from Valenzuela’s tactical awareness and demonstrated ability at sprint-route distances. Evans trains multiple horses across today’s card.
Key Contenders
Touch Of Glam breaks from the five post for trainer Dick Cappellucci with Alfredo Juarez Jr riding. The Argentine-bred five-year-old gelding brings proven stakes credentials accumulated racing at Oaklawn Park and other major circuits. The gelding demonstrates tactical speed patterns effective at sprint-route distances. Cappellucci operates a quality stable successful at Sunland Park. Current connections list trainer Todd Fincher and ownership Fincher Racing LLC, though race card shows Cappellucci. The five post provides neutral tactical positioning.
Blocked enters from the seven post for trainer Justin Evans with Luis Valenzuela aboard. The six-year-old gelding possesses experience and tactical patterns suggesting comfort at the 6.5-furlong distance. Valenzuela’s expertise navigating Sunland’s tactical challenges creates confidence. The seven post in the eight-horse field provides outside positioning without excessive ground loss.
Silver Daddy represents trainer Jeff Hudson from the four post with Luis Negron riding. The ten-year-old gelding brings extensive racing experience accumulated over lengthy career. Hudson trains competitively at claiming levels. The four post provides optimal tactical positioning.
Selections
Win: Touch Of Glam
Place: Blocked
Show: Seahawk Cody
Seventh Race – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 3:04 PM
The allowance optional claiming route at one mile restricted to registered New Mexico-bred four-year-olds and upward carries a lucrative $36,600 purse. Entry conditions restrict participation to horses who have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, starter, or trial, or have never won three races, or those entered for the $15,000 claiming price. This state-bred restricted feature represents one of the richest assignments on the card, attracting quality New Mexico-bred runners.
Pace Analysis
The eight-horse field and route distance create measured pace development as no single horse demonstrates overwhelming early speed. Short Round Bound brings proven tactical speed after his romping allowance victory in recent Zia Park competition. The four-year-old gelding by Runaway Ghost trained by Casey Lambert demonstrated dominant form, suggesting readiness for additional allowance success. Alfredo Juarez Jr takes the mount.
Ancient Land represents the Simon Buechler barn as a nine-year-old gelding by Monterey Jazz. The seasoned campaigner brings extensive racing experience accumulated over lengthy career. Buechler trains quality New Mexico-bred horses competitive in state-restricted allowance company.
Key Contenders
Short Round Bound breaks from the two post for trainer Casey Lambert with Alfredo Juarez Jr riding. The four-year-old gelding by Runaway Ghost enters following his romping allowance victory at Zia Park, establishing dominant form entering this assignment. Morning line odds of 8-to-1 suggest handicappers undervalue this gelding despite recent success. The two post provides inside positioning advantages for a horse demonstrating tactical speed. Lambert trains this gelding with confidence, and Juarez brings exceptional Sunland Park credentials.
Hardy Boy represents trainer Joel Marr from the eight post with Luis Valenzuela riding. The six-year-old gelding brings recent competitive form at Sunland Park. Valenzuela’s tactical expertise creates confidence navigating route distance scenarios. The eight post creates outside positioning challenges in the full field.
Ancient Land enters from post one for trainer Simon Buechler with Christian Ramos riding. The nine-year-old gelding by Monterey Jazz possesses extensive racing experience. Buechler operates a quality barn successful with New Mexico-bred allowance horses. The rail post demands patient tactical riding to secure clear running room.
Selections
Win: Short Round Bound
Place: Hardy Boy
Show: My Peaches Q
Eighth Race – Allowance NM-Bred
Post Time: 3:32 PM
The allowance sprint at six furlongs restricted to registered New Mexico-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward who have not won two races since July 25, 2025, or have never won four races carries a substantial $45,300 purse. Morning line odds establish Mama Was A Rocket at 7-to-2, Run Away Bay at 4-to-1, and Bye Bye Holley at 9-to-2. The eleven-horse field creates competitive state-bred fillies and mares division featuring proven stakes performers.
Pace Analysis
Mama Was A Rocket brings proven stakes credentials after winning the La Senora Stakes in January 2023. The six-year-old mare trained by Todd Fincher demonstrates tactical speed patterns effective at sprint distances. Fincher operates one of the Southwest’s premier training operations with over $54 million in career purse earnings. Luis Valenzuela takes the mount.
Bye Bye Holley enters as the recent New Mexico Classic Oaks winner, capturing that $150,000 stakes with a nose victory in November 2025. The four-year-old filly by Marking trained by Todd Fincher demonstrated closing kick sufficient to prevail in competitive state-bred stakes company. The Fincher barn saddles two live contenders in this assignment.
Key Contenders
Mama Was A Rocket breaks from the four post for trainer Todd Fincher with Luis Valenzuela riding. The six-year-old mare by Diabolical brings proven stakes credentials accumulated through successful New Mexico-bred campaign. The mare won the La Senora Stakes in January 2023, establishing baseline ability for this allowance assignment. Fincher trains this mare with confidence, and Valenzuela provides tactical expertise. Morning line odds of 7-to-2 establish the mare as a logical favorite. The four post provides optimal tactical positioning.
Bye Bye Holley represents the Todd Fincher barn from the five post with Olaf Hernandez riding. The four-year-old filly by Marking captured the $150,000 New Mexico Classic Oaks in November 2025, demonstrating ability to prevail in competitive state-bred stakes company. The filly won two straight races entering the Classic Oaks, suggesting current form cycle. Morning line odds of 9-to-2 reflect handicapper respect. The five post provides neutral positioning.
Run Away Bay enters from the three post for trainer Casey Lambert with Ken Tohill riding. The five-year-old mare draws 4-to-1 morning line odds suggesting competitive chances. Lambert trains competitively in New Mexico-bred restricted company. The three post provides inside positioning advantages.
Selections
Win: Mama Was A Rocket
Place: Bye Bye Holley
Show: Run Away Bay
Ninth Race – Claiming $12,500 NM-Bred
Post Time: 4:00 PM
The closing claiming sprint at 5.5 furlongs restricted to registered New Mexico-bred four-year-olds and upward who have never won two races carries an $18,600 purse at the $12,500 claiming price. Morning line odds establish Peekay as the 9-to-5 favorite, with Awesome Account at 3-to-1 and Colfax Kid at 9-to-2. The nine-horse field concludes the afternoon racing program with competitive state-bred claiming horses.
Pace Analysis
Peekay brings recent racing experience competing in similar New Mexico-bred claiming company. The five-year-old gelding draws favoritism reflecting handicapper confidence in his chances. At 5.5 furlongs, horses must secure position through the opening quarter before entering Sunland’s lone turn, creating scenarios where tactical speed provides significant advantages over deep closers.
Awesome Account enters as a legitimate contender drawing 3-to-1 morning line odds. The five-year-old gelding possesses experience in state-bred claiming ranks. Colfax Kid represents trainer Bernadette Barrios from the eight post with Kevin Carmona riding, drawing 9-to-2 odds suggesting competitive chances.
Key Contenders
Peekay breaks from the three post for trainer Sherry Armstrong with Enrique Portillo Gomez riding. The five-year-old gelding draws 9-to-5 favoritism reflecting handicapper confidence. Armstrong trains multiple horses across today’s card, suggesting stable form entering the weekend program. Recent form shows Peekay competed at Sunland Park in maiden special weight and claiming company earlier in 2026. The three post provides optimal tactical positioning.
Awesome Account represents trainer Adam Archuleta from the nine post with Alejandro Medellin riding. The five-year-old gelding draws 3-to-1 morning line odds. The outside nine post creates positioning challenges requiring aggressive early tactics or patient trip waiting for inside holes to develop.
Colfax Kid enters from the eight post for trainer Bernadette Barrios with Kevin Carmona riding. The four-year-old gelding draws 9-to-2 odds suggesting competitive chances. The eight post provides outside positioning in the full field.
Selections
Win: Peekay
Place: Awesome Account
Show: Taz Marking
Jockey Notes and Insights
Luis Valenzuela
Luis Valenzuela emerges as the dominant jockey presence on today’s card with seven mounts across eight races beginning with Race 1. The veteran rider demonstrates an 18.76 percent career win rate accumulated through extensive North American experience, with particularly strong results at Sunland Park. Valenzuela’s tactical awareness and patient riding style prove particularly effective on horses requiring rating before late acceleration. His mount assignments today include quality horses from top barns including Justin Evans and Todd Fincher, suggesting trainers respect his tactical capabilities.
The rider’s ability to navigate Sunland Park’s tight turns and compact configuration creates significant advantages, as he understands optimal paths for ground-saving trips while avoiding traffic congestion. Valenzuela excels at conserving early energy before delivering sustained acceleration approaching the stretch, making him particularly effective on route-distance assignments where tactical positioning matters more than pure early speed. His seven mounts today include Girvinitallshesgot, High Dollar Hush, Listentothemusic, Blocked, Hardy Boy, Mama Was A Rocket, and assignments in Race 1.
Alfredo Juarez Jr
Alfredo Juarez Jr brings exceptional Sunland Park credentials with 601 wins accumulated from 2,373 career starts at the venue, producing a remarkable 25.33 percent win rate. This success rate significantly exceeds typical jockey averages and establishes Juarez as the leading rider at the current Sunland Park meet based on statistical performance. The rider demonstrates tactical versatility effective across claiming and allowance divisions, with particular success navigating maiden races where inexperienced horses require confident handling.
Juarez rides three mounts today including Gangster in the opener, Short Round Bound in Race 7, and Marked Kiss in Race 8. The quality of these assignments from competitive trainers suggests barn confidence in Juarez’s ability to deliver winning efforts. His aggressive yet controlled riding style proves particularly effective at Sunland Park’s tight configuration, where early positioning determines success in sprint contests. Juarez excels at breaking horses alertly from the gate before establishing forward position without excessive early energy expenditure, creating optimal scenarios for sustained stretch acceleration.
Christian Ramos
Christian Ramos demonstrates solid credentials at Sunland Park with multiple assignments across today’s card. The rider possesses tactical awareness effective at sprint and route distances, with particular success on horses requiring patient handling before late acceleration. Ramos rides horses from quality barns including Sherry Armstrong and Simon Buechler, suggesting trainer confidence in his abilities. His assignments today include Barossa in Race 4, Rapid Expansion in Race 5, Rocks a Black Suit in Race 6, Ancient Land in Race 7, and Honky Tonk Honey in Race 8.
Miguel Perez
Miguel Perez brings solid experience to his two mounts today including What a Dude in Race 4 and Beach Runner in Race 6. The rider demonstrates competent tactical skills at claiming and allowance levels, with ability to navigate traffic scenarios while securing clear running room approaching the stretch.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Todd Fincher
Todd Fincher operates one of the Southwest’s premier training operations with over 1,450 Thoroughbred winners and more than $54 million in career purse earnings. The trainer achieved international recognition by saddling Senor Buscador to victory in the $20 million Saudi Cup in February 2024, establishing his credentials at the sport’s highest levels. Before transitioning to training, Fincher rode as a jockey for ten years, winning over 900 races on Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds including the 1994 Ruidoso Quarter Horse Futurity.
Fincher’s deep understanding of both riding tactics and training methodology creates significant advantages, as he recognizes optimal race placement and tactical scenarios for horses under his care. His particular expertise with New Mexico-bred horses stems from decades operating in the Southwest racing circuit, establishing relationships with quality breeders and owners committed to state-bred programs. Today Fincher saddles two live contenders in Race 8 including stakes winners Mama Was A Rocket and Bye Bye Holley, creating tactical considerations as both fillies possess different running styles that should not interfere with each other.
Justin Evans
Justin Evans operates a competitive stable with multiple horses entered across today’s card including Thetribehasspoken in Race 1, High Dollar Hush in Race 3, Listentothemusic in Race 4, and Blocked in Race 6. The trainer demonstrates expertise placing horses strategically to maximize earning potential while avoiding excessive class challenges. Evans particularly excels with claiming horses and lower-level allowance types, recognizing optimal spots where his runners can compete effectively.
Recent form patterns suggest Evans brings horses to Sunland Park with solid foundation fitness, allowing them to compete effectively immediately without requiring multiple prep races. His relationship with Luis Valenzuela creates successful trainer-jockey partnership, as Valenzuela pilots multiple Evans trainees today.
Simon Buechler
Simon Buechler operates a quality barn competing effectively in New Mexico-bred restricted company and open allowance races. The trainer saddles multiple horses today including Blcherrimanhattan and the scratched Smoothwhskygoindwn in Race 1, plus Ancient Land in Race 7. Buechler’s stable generates solid results despite not receiving public recognition comparable to higher-profile operations like Todd Fincher, creating potential value opportunities when his horses enter races at generous odds.
Buechler’s expertise with state-bred runners proves particularly valuable in New Mexico’s racing environment where restricted races provide lucrative purse opportunities for horses bred in-state. His patient approach allows horses to develop properly without rushing their progression through class levels.
Sherry Armstrong
Sherry Armstrong demonstrates prolific stable activity with seven horses entered across today’s nine-race card, suggesting depth of quality runners. The trainer sends out Danjerus Cloud in Race 2, Barossa in Race 4, Rapid Expansion and Bonnie Mae’s Mark in Race 5, Rocks a Black Suit in Race 6, and Peekay in Race 9. This volume of entries indicates Armstrong brings her stable to Sunland Park with horses properly placed to compete at appropriate class levels.
Armstrong’s expertise spans claiming and allowance divisions, with particular success placing horses where condition restrictions create favorable competitive scenarios. Her willingness to enter multiple horses suggests confidence in stable form and fitness levels. The trainer demonstrates tactical placement skills, avoiding situations where her horses face excessive class challenges while identifying opportunities where condition restrictions favor her runners.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Early Pick 4 Strategy
The early Pick 4 spanning Races 1-4 offers value construction opportunities beginning with the maiden special weight opener. Gangster from the outside seven post with Alfredo Juarez Jr represents solid single material at projected odds of 5-to-2 or better. His tactical speed and Juarez’s 25.33 percent Sunland win rate create confidence in securing position before accelerating through the stretch.
Race 2’s maiden claiming event presents challenge spreading to multiple contenders. Oscar Night as the 5-to-2 favorite demands inclusion, while Girvinitallshesgot and Danjerus Cloud provide backup at reasonable odds. Using three horses in this leg controls costs while providing protection against upset scenarios.
Race 3’s New Mexico-bred claiming sprint offers High Dollar Hush as logical single with Luis Valenzuela from the three post. The mare’s tactical positioning and Valenzuela’s expertise create winning combination at projected odds providing value.
Race 4’s allowance optional claiming route demands spreading to Listentothemusic, What a Dude, and Barossa. Listentothemusic’s recent Turf Paradise allowance victory establishes baseline ability, while What a Dude and Barossa bring route experience. Using three horses controls costs while providing coverage.
Early Pick 4 ticket structure:
Race 1: Gangster
Race 2: Oscar Night, Girvinitallshesgot, Danjerus Cloud
Race 3: High Dollar Hush
Race 4: Listentothemusic, What a Dude, Barossa
Cost: $6.00 (50-cent base)
Late Pick 4 Value Construction
The late Pick 4 covering Races 6-9 provides attractive value opportunities beginning with the claiming route in Race 6. Touch Of Glam dropping from stakes company to $7,500 claiming represents exploitable class advantage, though connections must explain significant drop. Blocked provides backup with Justin Evans training and Luis Valenzuela riding.
Race 7’s New Mexico-bred allowance demands attention to Short Round Bound following his romping Zia Park allowance victory. Morning line odds of 8-to-1 create value opportunity for a horse demonstrating dominant recent form. Hardy Boy and My Peaches Q provide backup options.
Race 8’s state-bred fillies and mares allowance features competitive eleven-horse field requiring spread to top contenders. Mama Was A Rocket and Bye Bye Holley both trained by Todd Fincher represent quality based on stakes credentials. Run Away Bay adds third contender from favorable post position.
Race 9’s closing claiming sprint establishes Peekay as 9-to-5 favorite with solid recent form. Awesome Account and Taz Marking provide backup at reasonable odds.
Late Pick 4 ticket structure:
Race 6: Touch Of Glam, Blocked
Race 7: Short Round Bound, Hardy Boy, My Peaches Q
Race 8: Mama Was A Rocket, Bye Bye Holley, Run Away Bay
Race 9: Peekay, Awesome Account, Taz Marking
Cost: $27.00 (50-cent base)
Exacta Box Value Plays
Race 4 Exacta Box: Listentothemusic, What a Dude, Barossa
The allowance optional claiming route features measured pace favoring these three experienced route runners. Boxing all three creates six winning combinations controlling the likely outcome while providing solid return potential at projected combined odds. Cost: $6.00 ($1 base)
Race 8 Exacta Box: Mama Was A Rocket, Bye Bye Holley
Todd Fincher’s dual entry in the state-bred fillies allowance creates exacta opportunity where both horses possess stakes credentials and tactical speed to control pace dynamics. Though Fincher cannot hedge betting interests, handicappers can exploit this scenario by boxing his two fillies expecting them to finish first and second in either order. Cost: $2.00 ($1 base)
Win Bet Value Opportunities
Short Round Bound in Race 7: Morning line odds of 8-to-1 significantly undervalue this gelding following his romping allowance victory at Zia Park. Alfredo Juarez Jr’s exceptional 25.33 percent Sunland win rate adds confidence. Suggested bet: $20 win produces $160 return if odds hold at 8-to-1.
Western Grit in Race 5: The 5-to-2 favorite benefits from optimal post three positioning and Luis Valenzuela’s tactical expertise. Though morning line establishes short price, the gelding represents solid win-bet value based on recent form and favorable setup.
Trifecta Construction
Race 7 Trifecta: $0.50 base
Key Short Round Bound on top over Hardy Boy, My Peaches Q, B Bold Charlie, George Who
Secondary ticket: Hardy Boy, My Peaches Q with Short Round Bound, B Bold Charlie, George Who
Total cost: $20.00 provides deep coverage of likely outcome scenarios while emphasizing Short Round Bound’s value at morning line 8-to-1.
Weather Impact Hedging Strategy
Given uncertain weather conditions and potential track surface changes from precipitation, horseplayers should emphasize horses demonstrating tactical speed rather than deep closers. If racing proceeds on slower surface, inside post positions gain importance as horses save ground navigating turns. Consider increasing emphasis on horses drawn posts 2-4 while reducing exposure to extreme outside posts requiring wide trips.
The precipitation-affected surface may create sealed fast conditions rewarding speed over stamina, potentially neutralizing route-running advantages while emphasizing gate speed in sprint contests. Adjust wagering strategy accordingly by increasing emphasis on early-speed types in sprint races while reducing exposure to deep closers requiring honest pace setups.
Monitor track conditions throughout the card and adjust live wagering strategies based on observed running patterns. If early races demonstrate strong speed bias with front-runners dominating, increase emphasis on tactical speed types in later races. Conversely, if track plays deeper with closers succeeding, adjust selections toward horses demonstrating sustained acceleration patterns.
