Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – Jamison Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park

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The Jamison Memorial Stakes is a prestigious event for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds aged four and up, contested over 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt with a purse of $80,000. This stakes race highlights local breeding and talent, drawing a competitive field of seven geldings. It serves as Race 8 on a 10-race card at Sunland Park Racetrack.

Venue Location

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is located in Sunland Park, New Mexico, USA, just across the state line from El Paso, Texas. The track is known for its mix of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, with a one-mile dirt oval and a turf course (though this race is on dirt). It’s a key venue in the Southwest racing circuit, hosting major events like the upcoming Sunland Derby later in February.

Post

Time is scheduled for 3:32 PM MST. The full card begins at 12:25 PM MST, providing ample action leading up to this stakes event.

Expected Weather Conditions

Forecasts indicate mild and mostly favorable conditions for race day, with highs around 70°F (21°C) and lows in the upper 40s°F. Expect partly cloudy to overcast skies, light winds (under 5 mph), and a 40% chance of scattered rain showers during the day. Humidity will hover around 30-40%, which shouldn’t significantly impact the track but could lead to slightly softer conditions if showers materialize.

Track Conditions

The race will be run on the dirt surface, which is expected to be rated as fast based on recent track maintenance and the mild weather outlook. Sunland Park’s dirt track has been in good form this meet, with no major weather disruptions anticipated for February 9. However, if the forecasted showers hit, it could shift to good or sloppy—monitor updates closer to post time. No recent cancellations or issues have been reported for this date.

Field Analysis

The field consists of seven New Mexico-bred geldings, with weights set at 121 lbs for four-year-olds and 124 lbs for older horses. Morning line odds reflect a competitive group, led by the proven stakes winner Mojica. Below is a detailed breakdown of each entrant, including starting position (post position), recent finishes (interpreted from form lines as the last three races, with the most recent on the right), jockey, trainer, and analysis based on form, track record, and connections.

Post PositionHorse Name (Age, Sex, Color)Jockey (Recent Form Notes)Trainer (Notable Achievements)Recent FinishesAnalysis
1Antonios Mark (6yo, Gelding, Chestnut)Alfredo J. Juarez, Jr. (Consistent stakes rider with strong Sunland record)Dominic C. Duree (Experienced with NM-breds; has conditioned multiple stakes winners)3-1-1 (Won last two, third before that; four straight wins last fall)This veteran is the second choice at 5/2 ML and enters off a hot streak, including victories in the Rocky Gulch New Mexico Classic Stakes, O.D. McDonald Stakes, and Casey Darnell Stakes. With $539,000 in earnings and nine career wins, he thrives at sprint distances. The rail post suits his early speed, and Juarez knows him well—expect a strong pace challenge. Bred by Fred Alexander (sire: Marking, dam: Bekat Bekat).
2Ar Ya Weegee (6yo, Gelding, Chestnut)Tracy J. Hebert (Veteran jockey with solid win rate in stakes)Gary W. Cross (Focuses on regional circuits; steady developer of sprinters)3-4-9 (Mixed results; third in most recent, but off-the-board earlier)At 6/1 ML, this gelding has shown flashes but lacks the consistency of the top contenders. He has six career wins but needs to improve on recent form to factor. The post allows for a stalking trip. Bred in NM (sire: To Teras, dam: Silver Stairs); could surprise if the pace melts down.
3Mojica (4yo, Gelding, Bay)Jose Miguel Vazquez (Rising star; perfect 3-for-4 with this horse at Sunland)Filiberto Quiroz (Specializes in NM-bred stakes; multiple graded winners)1-1-4 (Wins in last two; fourth earlier)The 8/5 ML favorite is a standout with five wins from eight starts and $281,000 earned. Fresh off an allowance win at Sunland on Jan. 12, he boasts stakes triumphs in the New Mexico Classic Derby (Nov 2025), Kendrick Memorial Stakes (spring 2025), and Red Hedeman Mile (2025). Undefeated in three of four at this track; the mid-pack post is ideal for his closing style. Bred by owner Don S. Apodaca (sire: Marking, dam: I Ten)—looks primed for another big effort.
4Marking Canyon (5yo, Gelding, Unknown)Aldo Arboleda (Reliable in sprints; good chemistry with Fincher trainees)Leroy A. Fincher (Top NM trainer; consistent stakes producer)0-1-1 (Winless recently but two prior wins)At 9/2 ML, this son of Marking (dam: Stormy Canyon) has potential but enters off a subpar effort. With four career wins, he could rebound on class drop; Fincher’s barn is hot this meet. Post 4 allows tactical flexibility—watch for value in exotics.
5Probate (9yo, Gelding, Unknown)Luis Negron (Aggressive rider; excels on longshots)Alberto Amparan (Veteran with budget horses; occasional upsets)6-0-1 (Sixth recently; off-board before win)The elder statesman at 20/1 ML, this 9-year-old has durability but fading form. Eight career wins, but recent races suggest he’s up against it here. Best as a closer if pace is hot; low expectations. (Sire: Pro Prado, dam: Aquarellist).
6Dave’s Enchantment (6yo, Gelding, Unknown)Francisco Amparan (Family connection; solid on Amparan horses)Alberto Amparan (Same as above; focuses on claimers and stakes)2-0-1 (Second recently; off-board before win)10/1 ML reflects upside potential after a strong runner-up finish last out. Five career wins, but needs to step up against this group. Outside post might help his stalking style. (Sire: Attila’s Storm, dam: Crafty Joi).
7Holy Hank (4yo, Gelding, Unknown)Christian Ramos (Young talent; improving in stakes)Simon J. Buechler (Develops young NM-breds effectively)7-1-1 (Seventh recently; two prior wins)At 6/1 ML, this four-year-old has youth on his side with three wins from 10 starts. Recent seventh was a dip, but prior back-to-back wins show promise. Wide post could challenge, but Ramos might press early. (Sire: Holy Lute, dam: City Veil)—could hit the board with a clean trip.