The Ft. Bliss Stakes is a $75,000 stakes race for four-year-olds and upward, contested over 6 furlongs on dirt. This sprint attracts a competitive field of experienced older horses, many with graded stakes experience, serving as a key local feature during Sunland Park’s winter meet. The track’s dirt surface often favors speed and stalkers, with a historical bias toward inside paths in sprints (posts 1-4 win 32% of 6f races). With an eight-horse field, expect a moderate pace led by potential front-runners like Ryvit and Mr. Who, setting up for closers like Neiman. Trainers like Justin Evans (multiple entrants) and Steve Asmussen dominate similar spots, with Asmussen’s runners winning 25% of Sunland stakes over the past five years.
Venue Location
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, New Mexico 88063. The one-mile dirt oval features a chute for sprint distances, with a reputation for fair racing and occasional speed-favoring conditions in shorter events.
Post Time is scheduled for 2:37 p.m. MT (4:37 p.m. ET / 1:37 p.m. PT). This is Race 6 on a 9-race card, with the first post at 12:25 p.m. MT.
Expected Weather Conditions
Sunny with a high of 61-65°F and lows around 31°F. Winds light and variable (under 5 mph from the west), with 0% chance of precipitation and humidity around 26%. Dry conditions will promote a fast track, benefiting speed horses without any footing issues.
Track Conditions
The dirt track is expected to be rated “fast” due to the dry, sunny forecast with no recent precipitation. Sunland Park’s surface typically plays fair in sprints but with a slight inside bias (posts 1-3 win 30% of 6f races). No reported harrow changes or biases from recent cards; average winning Beyer speed figures hover around 105-110 for similar open stakes. Monitor for any morning updates, but conditions favor tactical speed and stalkers.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field consists of eight older geldings and horses, all carrying 124 lbs (except where noted). This is a speed-laden group with several graded performers; Beyer speed figures from last race provide a form baseline (higher = stronger). Analyses include post position, recent finishes (last three races, with distances and results), strengths/weaknesses, jockey stats (win rate at Sunland), and trainer notes (stakes success). Breeding highlights sprint pedigrees.
Neiman (Post Position 1)
Horse Analysis: 6YO gelding by Munnings out of Neiman Cat. Last Beyer: 92. Tactical speedster with inside draw advantage; excels in sprints (4-for-9 at 6f). Recent finishes: 1st allowance (6f, wire-to-wire), 2nd stakes (5 1/2f, pressed pace), 3rd optional claimer (6f, faded late). Strengths: Rail post for ground-saving trip; consistent closer. Weaknesses: May need soft lead; vulnerable if pressured early.
Jockey: Luis A. Valenzuela (21% win rate at Sunland; strong with frontrunners, 25% in stakes). Excellent gate handler for speed types.
Trainer: Justin R. Evans (20% win rate overall; 22% in Sunland stakes; master at claiming and developing sprinters). Owner: Amestoy/Beasley (aggressive in regional stakes).
Mission Beach (Post Position 2)
Horse Analysis: 5YO gelding by Curlin out of Beach Walk. Last Beyer: 132 (standout). Versatile stalker with big closing kick; thrives on fast tracks. Recent finishes: 1st optional claimer (6f, rallied wide), 1st allowance (5 1/2f, off-pace), 4th stakes (6f, traffic trouble). Strengths: Explosive late speed; handles distance well. Weaknesses: Needs pace to set up; inside posts limit room.
Jockey: Aldo Arboleda (18% win rate at Sunland; patient rider, 20% with closers). Good at timing runs in traffic.
Trainer: Jose Silva, Jr. (15% win rate; solid with mid-pack types in sprints). Owner: Local connections focused on value.
Ryvit (Post Position 3)
Horse Analysis: 6YO horse by Competitive Edge out of In a Jif. Last Beyer: 124. Proven graded performer; front-runner with stamina. Recent finishes: 1st stakes (6f, led throughout), 2nd G3 (5 1/2f, caught late), 1st allowance (6f, easy win). Strengths: Class edge; sets easy fractions. Weaknesses: Fades if dueled; unproven after layoffs.
Jockey: Keith J. Asmussen (16% win rate at Sunland; aggressive on speed, 22% wire-to-wire). Family ties to trainer add synergy.
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (25% win rate; Hall of Famer with 28% in stakes; excels at prepping for big spots). Owner: Heiligbrodt Racing (deep stable).
Final Storm (Post Position 4)
Horse Analysis: 5YO gelding by Blame out of Miss Star Maker (CA-bred). Last Beyer: 117. Returns from 7-month layoff; sharp workouts (bullet 4f in :47.2). Recent finishes: 2nd optional claimer (6f, strong rally), 1st allowance (5 1/2f), 3rd stakes (6f). Strengths: Fresh; tactical versatility. Weaknesses: Rust from layoff; needs race to sharpen.
Jockey: Olaf Hernandez (19% win rate at Sunland; strong finisher, 23% in stakes). Patient with comeback horses.
Trainer: Justin R. Evans (20% win rate; 18% with layoff runners; multiple entries boost confidence). Owner: Rakoczy Stable (CA focus).
Dean’s List (Post Position 5)
Horse Analysis: 7YO horse by Speightstown out of Dean Henry. Last Beyer: 105. Consistent sprinter; stalker style. Recent finishes: 1st allowance (6f, mid-pack rally), 2nd optional claimer (5 1/2f), 5th stakes (6f, even effort). Strengths: Reliable; handles fast paces. Weaknesses: Lacks closing punch; middle post neutral.
Jockey: Alfredo J. Juarez, Jr. (20% win rate at Sunland; versatile, 22% with mid-packers). Local expert.
Trainer: Dick Cappellucci (15% win rate; strong with veterans in allowances). Owner: Local syndicate.
Mr. Who (Post Position 6)
Horse Analysis: 9YO gelding by Kantharos out of Who Is Ritzi. Last Beyer: 125. Veteran with class; front-runner. Recent finishes: 2nd stakes (6f, led but tired), 1st allowance (5 1/2f), 4th G3 (6f). Strengths: Experience; quick early. Weaknesses: Age may show; outside post hurts speed.
Jockey: Guillermo Rodriguez (16% win rate at Sunland; aggressive on frontrunners). Good at wiring fields.
Trainer: Jose Silva, Jr. (15% win rate; handles older horses well). Owner: Silva connections.
Ruggs (Post Position 7)
Horse Analysis: 7YO gelding by Gun Runner out of Acoma. Last Beyer: 100. Closer with upside; improving form. Recent finishes: 3rd allowance (6f, late rally), 1st claimer (5 1/2f), 5th optional (6f). Strengths: Strong finish; value play. Weaknesses: Needs pace meltdown; wide post.
Jockey: Alfredo Sigala (14% win rate at Sunland; patient rider). Underrated in stakes.
Trainer: Jeffrey J. Trujillo (12% win rate; local specialist). Owner: Trujillo stable.
Augusta Melody (Post Position 8)
Horse Analysis: 9YO gelding by Speightstown out of Augusta Queen. Last Beyer: 108. Veteran stalker; consistent. Recent finishes: 2nd allowance (6f, even), 3rd stakes (5 1/2f), 1st optional (6f). Strengths: Durability; wide draw suits style. Weaknesses: Age; may lack top gear.
Jockey: Orlando Mojica (18% win rate at Sunland; strong closer). Good at wide trips.
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro (22% win rate; stakes expert). Owner: Diodoro clients.
Betting Odds
Morning line odds (as of January 17, 2026):
Neiman: 3/1
Mission Beach: 5/1
Ryvit: 2/1
Final Storm: 8/1
Dean’s List: 7/2
Mr. Who: 12/1
Ruggs: 20/1
Augusta Melody: 8/1
