Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cattleman Prospect takes nose victory in $125,000 Johnie L. Jamison Stakes
Happy Me wins $125,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap
Cattleman Prospect successfully defended his title by winning the $125,000 Johnie L. Jamison Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.
Under a spirited ride from jockey Alejandro Medellin, Cattleman Prospect closed fast in the final yards to edge out Gold Assure in a tight photo finish. Cattleman Prospect raced three-wide around the far turn and appeared under pressure. Medellin kept his mount focused, and the pair produced a dynamic stretch move in the six and one-half furlong feature. Gold Assure proved to be a worthy contender setting the pace on a lonely lead. Cattleman Prospect found just enough to sweep on by in the final jump. The winning time was 1:17.19.
Let go at 3-1 odds, Cattleman Prospect paid $8.80 on a $2 win ticket. The winner earned $75,000 for owners Ramon Gonzalez, Jr. and Cody Kelley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Andres Gonzalez was the winning trainer.
Cattleman Prospect has loved Sunland Park over the years winning the over $375,000 at the local track. The eight-year-old gelding has earned nearly three quarter million dollars.
Gold Assure ran a terrific ran for jockey Ricardo Jamie and just missed. The crack New Mexico-bred sprinter was coming off three wins at Zia Park for owner-trainer Poppy Aldavaz. The runner-up earned $25,000. Ocean Joe and ZZ Dome both tried hard and finished third and fourth, respectively.
Dismissed at 9-1 odds, the three-year-old filly Happy Me bullied her elders with a dominating wire to wire victory in the $125,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap at 6 furlongs. Jockey Ken Tohill allowed the gray filly by Brave Lad to relax comfortable down the backstretch run of the 6 furlong sprint. The filly responded in kind by taking her third career win and first stakes triumph in four starts. Trainer Fred Danley has an extremely fast filly on his hands. She won with complete authority. The winning time was a sharp 1:10.53.
Happy Me earned a big check worth $75,000 for owner Rita Danley. The winner returned $20.80 on a $2 win ticket
Negotiablafections ran her heart out under jockey Alfredo Juarez. Last year’s runner-up to Peppers Pride found her best strides too late and was no threat to the winner.
Let the Musicbegin flew late to earn third. Wildwood Band earned fourth place and sparked a $1 superfecta payoff worth $6,107.10.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m.
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