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Zia Park presents an 11-race thoroughbred card on Monday, December 15, 2025, with first post at 11:45 AM CST. The card features a mixed schedule including four allowance events, five claiming races, and two maiden specials. Total purses exceed $500,000 across the program. Several key scratches have impacted the card, most notably Magoo from Race 4, both Adelyn’s Dream and My Kentucky Chrome from Race 7, and Princess Kitten from Race 9. All races will be conducted on the one-mile dirt oval with the surface expected to be fast throughout the day.
Weather and Track Conditions
Hobbs, New Mexico forecasts partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 33°F to 58°F. Winds will be light from the northeast at 5-10 mph, creating ideal racing conditions with no precipitation expected. The track superintendent reports the surface as fast and consistent. With no recent rainfall in the area, the dirt oval should play fair throughout the program, favoring neither front-runners nor closers disproportionately. The long homestretch at Zia Park typically allows horses to sustain their runs effectively.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Zia Park’s one-mile configuration shows distinct post position patterns through the 2025 meet. Sprint races under one mile demonstrate a clear advantage for middle posts, with positions 2 through 6 producing win rates between 12.6% and 15.5%. Post 1 significantly underperforms at just 7.4% wins from 190 starts. Outside posts 7-10 remain competitive but offer no inherent advantage. For route races at one mile, the sample size is smaller but posts 1-5 perform adequately with win rates from 10-30%. Pace dynamics and trip quality supersede post position importance in longer distances. The track generally favors tactical speed with its long stretch allowing horses to sustain momentum.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Enrique Portillo Gomez rides the strongest book on the card with seven mounts, including live chances in Races 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10. His 24% win rate at the meet makes him the rider to watch. Christian Ramos picks up quality mounts in Races 1, 6, and 10, showing consistent improvement in the standings. Luis Ramon Rodriguez has six rides including favored Conclave in Race 6. Ken Tohill’s four mounts include competitive chances in Races 1 and 4. The riding colony remains relatively tight-knit, with the top five jockeys accounting for 68% of all wins this meet.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Luis C Rojero sends out six entrants including morning line favorites in Races 1 and 5, maintaining a solid 19% win rate with 48% in-the-money finishes. Joel H Marr conditions four starters with two live prospects in Race 1. Casey T Lambert’s two-year-old fillies command respect in the maiden races. Jeff D Hudson’s barn has shown strong recent form with two winners from six starters over the past week. The New Mexico-bred program creates opportunities for smaller outfits, with eight different trainers represented among the morning line favorites.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Allowance 6 1/2 Furlongs
Post Time: 11:45 AM
Pace Analysis
Moderate pace expected with multiple horses showing tactical speed. Attila’s Last Call and Drinkroundthetruth have demonstrated early foot in recent starts, while Let Him Be and Ghostly Chance typically track the pace from midpack. The field lacks a true rabbit, setting up a fairly contested early half-mile in the 45-46 second range. Positioning through the first turn becomes critical as the field sorts into stalking positions.
Key Contenders
Let Him Be drops in class after a sharp second-place finish against tougher allowance company last out. The five-year-old gelding shows consistent bullet workouts and keeps top jockey Enrique Portillo Gomez. His tactical speed and proven ability over the distance make him the controlling favorite. Marking Canyon enters off a confidence-building win and moves up in class with a lightweight 121 pounds. The four-year-old has trained forwardly for Leroy Fincher and should be forwardly placed.
Secondary Choices
Leave Them Behind possesses the highest speed figures in the field but has been inconsistent in the stretch. The five-year-old’s recent form shows two solid efforts sandwiching a dull performance, suggesting a bounce-back is possible. Hezekiah’s Rule shows steady improvement with each start and gains Ken Tohill, who has strong statistics on the Marr-trained runners. The four-year-old’s closing style suits the expected pace scenario.
Longshots
Attila’s Last Call at 12-1 odds shows sneaky good form with two thirds in his last three starts. The three-year-old has tactical speed and could surprise if able to secure an uncontested early lead. Ghostly Chance makes his first start for the Rojero barn and shows a pattern of improving speed figures. At 20-1, the three-year-old represents value for exotic players.
Betting Strategy
The trifecta offers value with Let Him Be likely to be overbet. Key Marking Canyon and Leave Them Behind underneath, while using Hezekiah’s Rule and Attila’s Last Call in third position. The exacta box between Let Him Be and Marking Canyon provides a solid foundation.
Selections
Win: Let Him Be
Place: Marking Canyon
Show: Leave Them Behind
Race 2 – Claiming 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 12:12 PM
Pace Analysis
Honest pace projected with multiple front-running types. Seahawk Cody and Speed Bump Bob have consistently posted opening quarters in the 22-second range. Heir to Greatness and Red Frost prefer to press the pace, creating a contested first half-mile around 45 seconds. The pace setup favors stalkers and one-run closers who can avoid the early speed duel.
Key Contenders
Pudding drops significantly in class after facing tougher claiming tags and allowance company throughout 2025. The ten-year-old gelding retains Enrique Portillo Gomez and has been a consistent exacta presence when facing similar competition. His tactical speed and proven durability at the distance make him the likely controlling favorite. Seahawk Cody enters off consecutive runner-up finishes and shows improving speed figures. The seven-year-old’s early speed must be respected in this field.
Secondary Choices
Heir to Greatness comes from the Jeff Green barn, which excels with layoff runners. The six-year-old’s closing style suits the expected pace meltdown, and his 121-pound assignment is favorable. Speed Bump Bob owns the field’s best recent speed figure but has been inconsistent in the stretch. The five-year-old’s tactical speed gives him a puncher’s chance if he can rate kindly.
Longshots
Silver Daddy at 10-1 odds shows a pattern of closing into contested paces and has hit the board in 40% of his 2025 starts. The nine-year-old’s outside post actually benefits his running style, allowing him to avoid traffic while making one sustained run. Red Frost has early speed but faces the dreaded rail post, which has been a significant disadvantage in sprints.
Betting Strategy
The superfecta offers excellent value with multiple combinations possible. Key Pudding on top, use Seahawk Cody and Heir to Greatness in second position, and spread underneath with Speed Bump Bob, Silver Daddy, and Abetemarco. The exacta box between Pudding and Seahawk Cody provides a solid single-race wager.
Selections
Win: Pudding
Place: Seahawk Cody
Show: Heir to Greatness
Race 3 – Claiming 6 Furlongs (Fillies and Mares)
Post Time: 12:39 PM
Pace Analysis
Moderate pace expected with tactical speed dispersed throughout the field. Methods and Hurricane Saylor have shown the most consistent early foot, while Hook Em Up and Grazen Gator prefer to press from close range. The configuration favors horses breaking from middle posts who can secure good tracking positions without engaging in a speed duel.
Key Contenders
Methods drops in class after a solid third-place finish against tougher fillies and mares. The four-year-old filly has tactical speed and should secure a favorable stalking trip from post position seven. Her connections excel in these mid-level claiming spots, and the 123-pound assignment is manageable. Hurricane Saylor owns the field’s best recent speed figure and has course-winning form over this exact distance. The three-year-old’s front-running style could prove dangerous if she’s allowed to set comfortable fractions.
Secondary Choices
Maga Kai drops in class after facing tougher competition and gets a significant weight break at 119 pounds. The three-year-old filly has shown flashes of talent and could improve dramatically at this reduced level. Grazen Gator reunites with jockey Tanner Fincher, who guided her to a previous win over this oval. The three-year-old’s tactical speed and inside draw provide advantages.
Longshots
Art Curator at 15-1 odds has been meeting tougher competition and returns to a more appropriate level. The five-year-old mare owns back class and could surprise if able to secure a clean trip. Lone Mountain Girl consistently hits the board at this level and has tactical speed from the midpack post position. The five-year-old’s consistency makes her an exotic consideration.
Betting Strategy
The trifecta offers solid value with Methods likely to be overbet. Key Hurricane Saylor and Maga Kai in second position, while spreading underneath with Grazen Gator, Art Curator, and Lone Mountain Girl. The exacta box between Methods and Hurricane Saylor covers the likely top pair.
Selections
Win: Methods
Place: Hurricane Saylor
Show: Maga Kai
Race 4 – Claiming 1 Mile
Post Time: 1:06 PM
Pace Analysis
Modest pace projected with no confirmed front-runners in the field. Vinniebob and Upward Mobility have shown tactical speed but prefer to stalk. Algebra and Magoo have early foot but lack sustained speed at the mile distance. The moderate early fractions should benefit late-running closers who can sustain their runs down the long Zia Park stretch.
Key Contenders
Kirby Derby drops in class after consistent efforts against tougher competition. The six-year-old gelding retains Alejandro Medellin, who has been riding with confidence. His closing style suits the expected pace scenario, and the 121-pound weight break is significant. Jeeps Stride enters off a confidence-building win and moves up in class with conditions that suit his style. The six-year-old’s tactical speed allows him to track the moderate pace before making his move.
Secondary Choices
Upward Mobility has been meeting tougher competition and drops in class while retaining Luis Ramon Rodriguez. The five-year-old’s tactical speed and proven ability over the distance make him dangerous. Algebra owns the field’s best back class but has been inconsistent in recent starts. The eight-year-old’s early speed could secure a favorable position if he’s ready to return to form.
Longshots
Magoo was scratched due to veterinarian concerns, opening value deeper in the field. Reads Pet Zenon at 20-1 odds has tactical speed and drops in class after facing tougher competition. The six-year-old’s closing style suits the mile distance, and the Rojero barn maintains solid statistics in these spots. Ohhh Daddy has shown improvement in recent workouts and could surprise at long odds.
Betting Strategy
The superfecta presents excellent opportunities with no standout favorite. Key Kirby Derby on top, use Jeeps Stride and Upward Mobility in second, and spread underneath with Algebra, Reads Pet Zenon, and Ohhh Daddy. The exacta box between Kirby Derby and Jeeps Stride provides a solid foundation.
Selections
Win: Kirby Derby
Place: Jeeps Stride
Show: Upward Mobility
Race 5 – Claiming 1 Mile (New Mexico Bred)
Post Time: 1:33 PM
Pace Analysis
Multiple speed horses will contest the early lead, creating contentious early fractions. Grifter and Three Martinis have shown the most consistent early foot, while Clue and Indy’s Song prefer to press from close range. The pace setup favors horses with tactical speed who can avoid the early battle while maintaining striking position down the long stretch.
Key Contenders
Clue won over this course and distance last time out and looks well placed to follow up. The five-year-old gelding keeps Aldo Arboleda, who has been in excellent form, and the 123-pound assignment is justified by his recent performances. His tactical speed and proven ability to rate kindly make him the controlling favorite. Indy’s Song has been remarkably consistent at this level, hitting the board in 70% of his 2025 starts. The eight-year-old’s tactical speed and proven durability make him the primary danger.
Secondary Choices
Three Martinis drops in class after facing tougher three-year-old competition and gets a favorable 119-pound weight assignment. The three-year-old’s early speed could secure a favorable position, and the Chavez barn excels with class droppers. Grifter reunites with Enrique Portillo Gomez and has tactical speed from the inside post. The six-year-old’s consistency makes him an exotic consideration.
Longshots
Daux at 8-1 odds has been meeting tougher competition and returns to his preferred distance. The nine-year-old’s closing style suits the expected pace scenario, and the Marr barn maintains solid statistics with older runners. Arch City consistently hits the board at this level and has tactical speed from a favorable post position. The eight-year-old’s consistency makes him an exotic consideration.
Betting Strategy
The trifecta offers solid value with Clue likely to be overbet. Key Indy’s Song and Three Martinis in second position while spreading underneath with Grifter, Daux, and Arch City. The exacta box between Clue and Indy’s Song covers the most likely top pair.
Selections
Win: Clue
Place: Indy’s Song
Show: Three Martinis
Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight 5 Furlongs
Post Time: 2:00 PM
Pace Analysis
Multiple debut runners create an unpredictable pace scenario. Smoothwhskygoindwn has the most experience and tactical speed. Conclave and Tinaja show workout patterns suggesting they could be forwardly placed. The five-furlong distance emphasizes early positioning, with horses securing good stalking trips holding distinct advantages.
Key Contenders
Smoothwhskygoindwn has strong form, finishing second last time out over this course and distance. The three-year-old gelding reunites with Christian Ramos, who has been riding with confidence. His experience edge over the majority of the field and proven ability to handle the distance make him the logical favorite. Conclave debuts for Justin Evans, whose trainees show marked improvement from first to second starts. The three-year-old’s workout pattern indicates readiness, and the 121-pound weight assignment is favorable.
Secondary Choices
Fire Breather debuts for Timothy Gleason with a series of sharp workouts suggesting ability. The three-year-old’s breeding suggests sprint aptitude, and the long stretch at Zia Park should suit his running style. Tinaja shows a pattern of improving workouts and debuts for Gary Cross, whose first-time starters often outperform their odds.
Longshots
Big Stetson at 8-1 odds has race experience and drops in class after facing tougher competition. The five-year-old’s tactical speed and proven ability to handle the distance make him dangerous. Blcherrimanhattan debuts with a series of steady workouts and shows breeding for turf that could translate to dirt success. The three-year-old filly represents value at 8-1 odds.
Betting Strategy
The trifecta offers excellent value in this wide-open maiden affair. Key Smoothwhskygoindwn on top, use Conclave and Fire Breather in second position, and spread underneath with Tinaja, Big Stetson, and Blcherrimanhattan. The exacta box between Smoothwhskygoindwn and Conclave provides a solid single-race wager.
Selections
Win: Smoothwhskygoindwn
Place: Conclave
Show: Fire Breather
Race 7 – Maiden Claiming 5 1/2 Furlongs (2-year-old fillies)
Post Time: 2:27 PM
Pace Analysis
Sharp pace expected with multiple horses showing early speed in debut runs. Trump Dance and All Marked Up have shown the most consistent workout patterns suggesting tactical speed. The 5 1/2 furlong distance emphasizes early positioning, with fillies securing good stalking trips holding distinct advantages.
Key Contenders
Trump Dance looks the one to beat after a strong runner-up effort over course and distance last time out. The two-year-old filly shows a pattern of improving workouts and keeps Oscar Andrade, Jr., who has been riding with confidence. The Todd Fincher barn excels with two-year-old fillies, and this runner’s tactical speed should secure a favorable stalking trip.
Secondary Choices
All Marked Up debuts for Dick Cappellucci with a series of sharp workouts indicating ability. The two-year-old filly’s breeding suggests sprint aptitude, and the Cappellucci barn maintains solid statistics with first-time starters. Texas Tech Leggs shows improving workout patterns and debuts for Greg Green, whose trainees often outperform their odds in maiden claiming spots.
Longshots
Blues Money at 8-1 odds has race experience and drops in class after facing tougher competition. The two-year-old filly’s tactical speed from the inside post provides advantages, and the Cappellucci barn excels with class droppers. Riggy Tea debuts with a steady workout pattern and shows breeding that suggests early speed. The two-year-old filly represents value at 10-1 odds.
Betting Strategy
The trifecta offers solid value in this wide-open maiden claiming affair. Key Trump Dance on top, use All Marked Up and Texas Tech Leggs in second position, and spread underneath with Blues Money, Riggy Tea, and Wicked Whiskey. The exacta box between Trump Dance and All Marked Up provides a solid single-race wager.
Selections
Win: Trump Dance
Place: All Marked Up
Show: Texas Tech Leggs
Race 8 – Maiden Claiming 6 Furlongs (Fillies and Mares)
Post Time: 2:54 PM
Pace Analysis
Multiple speed horses will contest the early lead, creating contentious early fractions. Dealin In Cash and Attila Style have shown the most consistent early foot, while Danjerus Cloud and Tensas Bolt prefer to press from close range. The pace setup favors horses with tactical speed who can avoid the early battle while maintaining striking position down the stretch.
Key Contenders
Dealin In Cash drops in class after consistent efforts against tougher maiden competition. The three-year-old filly retains Rosendo Irwin, who has been riding with confidence. Her tactical speed and proven ability over the distance make her the controlling favorite. Tensas Bolt won impressively last time out over this course and distance and looks well placed to follow up. The three-year-old filly keeps Ken Tohill, who has strong statistics on the Lambert-trained runners.
Secondary Choices
Danjerus Cloud enters off a confidence-building second-place finish and moves up in class with conditions that suit her style. The three-year-old filly’s tactical speed allows her to track the pace before making her move. Attila Style drops in class after facing tougher competition and gets a favorable post position. The four-year-old filly’s early speed could secure a favorable position if she’s ready to return to form.
Longshots
Oscar Night at 10-1 odds has been meeting tougher competition and returns to a more appropriate level. The three-year-old filly’s tactical speed and proven ability to handle the distance make her dangerous. Supercalifragilist has shown improvement in recent workouts and could surprise at long odds. The three-year-old filly’s closing style suits the expected pace scenario.
Betting Strategy
The superfecta presents excellent opportunities with multiple combinations possible. Key Dealin In Cash on top, use Tensas Bolt and Danjerus Cloud in second, and spread underneath with Attila Style, Oscar Night, and E C Rain. The exacta box between Dealin In Cash and Tensas Bolt provides a solid foundation.
Selections
Win: Dealin In Cash
Place: Tensas Bolt
Show: Danjerus Cloud
Race 9 – Allowance 5 Furlongs (New Mexico Bred Fillies and Mares)
Post Time: 3:21 PM
Pace Analysis
Honest pace projected with multiple horses showing tactical speed. Ms Pounds and Mark It Down have demonstrated early foot in recent starts, while Marquis Lights and Hey Friend typically track the pace from midpack. The field lacks a true rabbit, setting up a fairly contested early half-mile that should favor horses with sustained late kicks.
Key Contenders
Marquis Lights drops in class after consistent efforts against tougher allowance competition. The seven-year-old mare reunites with Enrique Portillo Gomez and has been a consistent exacta presence when facing similar competition. Her tactical speed and proven durability at the distance make her the likely favorite. Hey Friend owns the field’s best recent speed figure and has course-winning form over this exact distance. The six-year-old mare’s stalking style suits the expected pace scenario.
Secondary Choices
Ms Pounds enters off a confidence-building win and moves up in class with conditions that suit her style. The four-year-old filly’s tactical speed allows her to track the pace before making her move. Mark It Down has been remarkably consistent at this level, hitting the board in 70% of her 2025 starts. The four-year-old filly’s tactical speed and proven ability make her the primary danger.
Longshots
Right for You at 8-1 odds has been meeting tougher competition and drops in class while retaining Oscar Andrade, Jr. The six-year-old mare’s closing style suits the sprint distance, and the Cross barn excels with class droppers. Storm in the Valle has shown improvement in recent workouts and could surprise at long odds. The four-year-old filly’s tactical speed from a favorable post position provides advantages.
Betting Strategy
The trifecta offers solid value with Marquis Lights likely to be overbet. Key Hey Friend and Ms Pounds in second position while spreading underneath with Mark It Down, Right for You, and Storm in the Valle. The exacta box between Marquis Lights and Hey Friend covers the most likely top pair.
Selections
Win: Marquis Lights
Place: Hey Friend
Show: Ms Pounds
Race 10 – Claiming 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 3:48 PM
Pace Analysis
Multiple speed horses will contest the early lead, creating contentious early fractions. Truckin and Double Ride have shown the most consistent early foot, while Vols and My Addiction prefer to press from close range. The pace setup favors horses with tactical speed who can avoid the early battle while maintaining striking position down the stretch.
Key Contenders
Truckin won impressively last time out over this course and distance and looks well placed to follow up. The five-year-old gelding reunites with Christian Ramos, who has been riding with confidence. His tactical speed and proven ability to rate kindly make him the controlling favorite. My Addiction drops in class after consistent efforts against tougher competition. The four-year-old gelding retains Alfredo Juarez, Jr., who has strong statistics on the Valdez-Cabral-trained runners.
Secondary Choices
Vols enters off a confidence-building second-place finish and moves up in class with conditions that suit his style. The four-year-old gelding’s tactical speed allows him to track the pace before making his move. Royal Lineage has been remarkably consistent at this level, hitting the board in 60% of his 2025 starts. The four-year-old gelding’s stalking style suits the expected pace scenario.
Longshots
Beer Money at 8-1 odds has been meeting tougher competition and returns to a more appropriate level. The four-year-old colt’s tactical speed and proven ability to handle the distance make him dangerous. Free Again has shown improvement in recent workouts and drops in class after facing tougher competition. The four-year-old gelding’s closing style suits the expected pace meltdown.
Betting Strategy
The superfecta presents excellent opportunities with multiple combinations possible. Key Truckin on top, use My Addiction and Vols in second, and spread underneath with Royal Lineage, Beer Money, and Free Again. The exacta box between Truckin and My Addiction provides a solid foundation.
Selections
Win: Truckin
Place: My Addiction
Show: Vols
Race 11 – Maiden Special Weight 5 1/2 Furlongs (2-year-old fillies)
Post Time: 4:15 PM
Pace Analysis
Typical two-year-old maiden pace with multiple debut runners creating an unpredictable scenario. Gypsy Wildcat and Day At a Time have shown the most consistent workout patterns suggesting tactical speed. The 5 1/2 furlong distance emphasizes early positioning, with fillies securing good stalking trips holding distinct advantages.
Key Contenders
Pass the Test drops in class after facing tougher maiden special weight competition at Turf Paradise. The two-year-old filly reunites with Miguel Perez and has been a consistent exacta presence when facing similar competition. Her experience edge over the majority of the field and proven ability to handle the distance make her the logical favorite. Day At a Time debuts for Todd Fincher with a series of sharp workouts indicating ability. The two-year-old filly’s breeding suggests sprint aptitude, and the Fincher barn excels with first-time starters.
Secondary Choices
American Maker debuts for Bernadette Barrios with a steady workout pattern. The two-year-old filly’s breeding suggests early speed, and the Barrios barn maintains solid statistics with two-year-old fillies. Unwound shows a pattern of improving workouts and debuts for Simon Buechler, whose trainees often outperform their odds.
Longshots
Gypsy Wildcat at 8-1 odds has race experience and drops in class after facing tougher competition. The two-year-old filly’s tactical speed and proven ability to handle the distance make her dangerous. Markings Delight debuts with a series of steady workouts and shows breeding that suggests dirt aptitude. The two-year-old filly represents value at 10-1 odds.
Betting Strategy
The trifecta offers excellent value in this wide-open maiden affair. Key Pass the Test on top, use Day at a Time and American Maker in second position, and spread underneath with Unwound, Gypsy Wildcat, and Markings Delight. The exacta box between Pass the Test and Day at a Time provides a solid single-race wager.
Selections
Win: Pass the Test
Place: Day at a Time
Show: American Maker
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The early double combining Race 1 and Race 2 offers value with Let Him Be and Pudding forming the logical favorites. A cold exacta using these two-win types provides a solid foundation, while spreading in the second position with Marking Canyon and Seahawk Cody increases coverage.
The late pick four beginning with Race 8 presents excellent opportunities for value players. The sequence runs through maiden fillies, allowance mares, claiming sprinters, and maiden juveniles. Using multiple combinations in the competitive middle legs while singling likely favorites in the bookend races creates affordable tickets with significant upside potential.
The pick three spanning Races 9 through 11 allows players to capitalize on Marquis Lights in Race 9 while spreading in the remaining legs. Truckin’s consistency in Race 10 and the competitive nature of Race 11 create opportunities for healthy payoffs.
Value players should focus on exacta boxes in Races 4, 7, and 8 where the favorites appear vulnerable. The trifecta in Race 6 offers significant value with multiple debut runners creating unpredictable outcomes. Superfecta players should target Races 2, 4, 8, and 10 where competitive fields and clear pace scenarios enhance payoff potential.
The all-allowance double combining Race 1 and Race 9 allows players to focus on quality New Mexico-bred competition. Let Him Be and Marquis Lights represent solid singles, while using their respective secondary contenders underneath creates multiple winning combinations.
