The Winsham Lad Stakes is an open event for Thoroughbreds aged four and up, contested over 1 mile on dirt with a purse of $65,000. This race attracts a solid field of routers from the Southwest circuit, emphasizing stamina and tactical speed. It serves as Race 9 on a 10-race card at Sunland Park Racetrack.
Venue Location
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is located in Sunland Park, New Mexico, USA, adjacent to El Paso, Texas. The facility features a one-mile dirt oval and is a prominent stop in regional racing, known for events leading up to the Sunland Derby.
Post Time is scheduled for 4:00 PM MST. The card kicks off at 12:25 PM MST, allowing for a full day of racing.
Expected Weather Conditions
Weather forecasts predict partly cloudy skies with highs near 70°F (21°C) and lows around 46°F (8°C). Light winds (under 5 mph) and a 40% chance of isolated showers are expected, with humidity at 30-50%. Conditions should remain favorable, though any precipitation could soften the track slightly.
Track Conditions
The event is on the dirt surface, anticipated to be fast given the mild forecast and recent track maintenance. Sunland Park’s dirt has performed well this meet, but monitor for updates if showers occur, potentially shifting to good. No major issues or cancellations are reported for this date.
Field Analysis
A field of 10 older horses competes, with weights at 121 lbs for four-year-olds and 124 lbs for older. Morning line odds indicate a wide-open affair, with Ze’bul as the favorite. Below is a breakdown including post position, recent finishes (last three races, most recent on the right), jockey, trainer, and analysis based on form, connections, and pedigree.
| Post Position | Horse Name (Age, Sex, Color) | Jockey (Recent Form Notes) | Trainer (Notable Achievements) | Recent Finishes | Analysis |
| 1 | Spenard (4yo, Colt, Unknown) | Miguel T. Fuentes, Jr. (Consistent in allowances) | Dan L. McFarlane (Strong with shippers) | 4-2-3 | At 12/1 ML, this lightly raced colt by Spun to Run has shown improvement in routes. Rail post favors his front-running style; could control the pace if unchallenged. Owner: Joseph A. Schumer. Bred by Marylou Whitney Stables LLC (dam: Tweeterdini by Bernardini). |
| 2 | Cornishman (5yo, Gelding, Unknown) | Christian Ramos (Hot streak at Sunland) | Dan L. McFarlane (Multiple stakes winners) | 1-1-2 | The 3/1 ML co-favorite tops the field with recent dominant wins in similar company. Versatile and proven at the distance; McFarlane’s barn is firing. Owner: Joseph A. Schumer. Bred by Godolphin (dam: Penwith by Bernardini). |
| 3 | Bender (8yo, Gelding, Unknown) | Francisco Amparan (Local specialist) | Martin Manuel Valdez-Cabral (Budget barn upsets) | 5-3-4 | 12/1 ML reflects veteran status but inconsistent form. Has hit the board in routes; post allows stalking. Owner: Alfredo Alvarado. Bred by Claiborne Farm (dam: Bend by Arch). |
| 4 | Holiday Pay (5yo, Horse, Unknown) | Luis A. Valenzuela (High win rate in stakes) | Justin R. Evans (Leading NM trainer) | 2-1-3 | At 8/1 ML, this Awesome Slew son enters sharp off a win and place. Evans-Valenzuela combo is lethal; tactical speed suits the mile. Owners: Pierre Jean, Jr., Leslie A. Amestoy, Roger K. Beasley. Bred by Amalio Ruiz Lozano (dam: Dreaminofauntantil by Lewis Michael). |
| 5 | Piney Bluff (6yo, Gelding, Unknown) | Kevin Carmona (Emerging talent) | Edwin A. Martinez (Solid with claimers) | 6-5-7 | 30/1 ML longshot with spotty form, but California Chrome pedigree hints at upside. Needs a big step up; closer if pace collapses. Owner: Cesar Mendoza. Bred by California Chrome Syndicate et al (dam: Star of Johar by Johar). |
| 6 | What a Dude (7yo, Gelding, Unknown) | Miguel A. Perez (Aggressive rider) | Miguel L. Hernandez (Regional stakes focus) | 3-4-1 | 10/1 ML offers value after a recent win. Hard Spun gelding thrives at a mile; outside post for clear run. Owner: Miguel Hernandez. Bred by Nursery Place (dam: Off the Boat by More Than Ready). |
| 7 | Mine That Star (9yo, Horse, Unknown) | Alfredo J. Juarez, Jr. (Stakes veteran) | Dick Cappellucci (Consistent producer) | 1-2-1 | At 6/1 ML, this elder by Pioneerof the Nile boasts strong recent form with wins and places. Durable and classy; Juarez knows the track. Owners: Judge Lanier Racing et al. Bred by Phil & Judy Needham et al (dam: Mining My Own by Smart Strike). |
| 8 | Ze’bul (6yo, Gelding, Unknown) | Luis Negron (Top percentage rider) | Dick Cappellucci (Hot barn this meet) | 1-1-3 | The 5/2 ML favorite is in peak form with back-to-back victories. Collected gelding loves routes; Cappellucci-Negron duo excels. Owners: Centurion Racing Partners et al. Bred by Dell Ridge Farm (dam: Bahama Bound by Empire Maker). |
| 9 | Bearings (6yo, Gelding, Unknown) | Guillermo Rodriguez (Reliable in routes) | Justin R. Evans (High win rate) | 2-3-1 | 5/1 ML contender with consistent boards. Candy Ride offspring handles distance well; Evans barn adds confidence. Owner: Jamie Bolles. Bred by Stone Farm (dam: Steady Course by Old Trieste). |
| 10 | Compelling Uncle (7yo, Horse, Unknown) | Luis Ramon Rodriguez (Longshot specialist) | Andres Gonzalez (Occasional surprises) | 4-5-6 | At 20/1 ML, this Uncle Mo horse has faded lately but could rally late. Wide post challenges; low expectations but exotic filler. Owner: Andres S. Gonzalez. Bred by Springhouse Farm (dam: Dreams to Reality by Lookin At Lucky). |
