Venue Location: Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, 801 Sunland Park Drive, Sunland Park, New Mexico 88063.
Scheduled Post Time for Race 7: Approximately 3:30 PM Mountain Time (on a full card with first post around 12:25 PM MT; exact times subject to minor adjustments).
Expected Weather Conditions: Sunny to mostly clear skies with highs near 73–78°F during post time and light winds (5–10 mph). Low humidity and zero chance of precipitation—typical dry desert conditions for late March in the El Paso/Sunland Park area with no impact on the racing surface.
Track Conditions: Fast dirt (main track). The arid climate and extended dry spell have produced a firm, speed-favoring surface ideal for a 5½-furlong sprint.
Race Overview: The Mt. Cristo Rey Stakes is an $80,000 guaranteed restricted stakes (registered New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds and upward) contested at 5½ furlongs on the dirt. Lasix is not permitted per HISA rules. Starters are based on highest money earned at nomination; this is a high-speed sprint featuring a compact field of five with no scratches. It serves as a key local test and rematch among state-bred specialists, favoring early-to-mid-pack speed and tactical versatility on a fast track.
Full Field with Post Positions, Analysis, Jockeys & Trainers:
Post 1 – Leave Them Behind (6YO gelding by Attila’s Storm; Jockey: Enrique Portillo Gomez; Trainer: Sherry Armstrong; ML 9-5)
A consistent veteran with back-to-back wins at Sunland Park earlier this year, including a gate-to-wire victory on Feb. 16. Finished second in the 2025 edition of this race and brings a strong 110 speed figure. Armstrong is a veteran New Mexico trainer with excellent stats in state-bred sprints; Gomez is a longtime Sunland Park regular who knows the rail well. The inside post is a major plus for his tactical speed style on a fast track. Top contender who could wire or stalk and repeat his strong local form.
Post 2 – Blooming Resource (6YO gelding by Infinite Resource; Jockey: Luis A. Valenzuela; Trainer: Gerald E. Marr; ML 4-1)
A wild-card type who recently dropped from longer mixed-breed events but has a win in a 4½-furlong sprint on Jan. 12. Modest 96 figure but versatile and capable of improving in restricted company. Marr is a solid local conditioner; Valenzuela rides regularly here with success. Neutral post suits a presser or mid-pack runner. Live exotic player at a square price who could surprise if the pace is hot.
Post 3 – Mojica (4YO gelding by Marking; Jockey: Jose Miguel Vazquez; Trainer: Filiberto Quiroz; ML 7-5)
The slight morning-line favorite with elite local credentials: career 6-10-3-0 record ($345,750 earnings) highlighted by a dominant win in the Jamison Memorial on Feb. 9 and a narrow second (behind Marking Canyon) in the Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap on March 8. Boasts a 111 speed figure and sharp recent form. Quiroz excels with New Mexico-bred sprinters; Vazquez is a capable local jockey. Perfect post for stalking or pressing. The one to beat in this rematch—high-class and in peak form.
Post 4 – Holy Rebel (gelding by Holy Lute; Jockey: Christian Ramos; Trainer: Simon J. Buechler; ML 20-1)
A true longshot with a modest 56 figure and limited stakes success. Buechler is a small stable taking a shot; Ramos is a veteran rider. Far outside post and figures make him a pure longshot who would need a meltdown and career-best effort to factor.Post 5 – Dave’s Enchantment (gelding by Attila’s Storm; Jockey: Francisco Amparan; Trainer: Alberto Amparan; ML 7-2)
A late-closing threat who won the O.D. McDonald Stakes last fall and posts the highest recent speed figure (113). Amparan (trainer and jockey) form a family barn with strong local ties. Outside post is workable for a closer on a speed-favoring track. Solid exotic value who could rally past tiring leaders if the pace is contested.
Overall Preview & Strategy Notes:
This is a sharp, compact New Mexico-bred sprint rematch headlined by the slight favorite Mojica (classy recent form and 7-5 ML under Quiroz/Vazquez) versus the consistent veteran Leave Them Behind (rail post, 9-5 ML) and the late-running Dave’s Enchantment (highest figure at 7-2). Expect a contested pace with Leave Them Behind and Mojica likely up front or pressing; the fast dirt will reward tactical speed and clean trips. Key angles: Mojica’s current sharpness versus Leave Them Behind’s inside draw and Dave’s Enchantment’s closing kick. Exotics should center on the top three with Blooming Resource for fourth-slot value. No scratches reported—perfect setup for a thrilling closing-day feature at historic Sunland Park.
