Horse Racing Preview: Peppers Pride Stakes at Sunland Park

The Peppers Pride Stakes at Sunland Park is set to be an exciting race for three-year-old registered New Mexico-bred fillies.

Race Details

• Purse: $90,000 (includes $45,000 from the New Mexico Horse Breeders Association)
• Distance: One Mile (Dirt)
• Eligibility: Fillies, Three Years Old, Registered New Mexico Bred
• Lasix: Not permitted per Hisa Rule 4212(d)
• Entry Fee: Free to nominate; $600 to enter (includes $45,000 NMHBA Purse Enhancement Fund)
• Supplemental Fee: $10,000 for non-nominated horses at the time of entry
• Weight: 121 lbs
• Nominations Closed: Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. with fourteen entries
• Distribution: 60% to the winner, 22% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth

Field Overview

1. American Cherub (NM) – Jockey: E Gonzalez, Trainer: D Cappellucci, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 5/1
2. Bye Bye Holley (NM) – Jockey: F Geroux, Trainer: T W Fincher, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 10/1
3. Sapello Samba (NM) – Jockey: V M Castro, Trainer: M Valdez-Cabral, Jr., Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 6/1
4. Shes Acting Single (NM) – Jockey: F Valdez, Trainer: H G Aldavaz, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 8/1
5. Sirrah (NM) – Jockey: T J Hebert, Trainer: S J Buechler, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 10/1
6. Marked Kiss (NM) – Jockey: A Medellin, Trainer: J J Gonzales II, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 8/1
7. Thatsaterriblidea (NM) – Jockey: A J Juarez, Jr., Trainer: D Cappellucci, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 9/2
8. Forty Five (NM) – Jockey: R A Vazquez, Trainer: D Cappellucci, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 5/1
9. Souped Up Wildcat (NM) – Jockey: C Ramos, Trainer: S J Buechler, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 8/1
10. Charlotte’s Spider (NM) – Jockey: F Amparan, Trainer: D J Barton, Weight: 121 lbs, Odds: 12/1

Key Insights

• Thatsaterriblidea is the morning line favorite with odds of 9/2. She has shown impressive form and is well-prepared for this race.
• American Cherub and Forty Five are also strong contenders with odds of 5/1 each. Both have shown good form in previous races.
• Sapello Samba and Shes Acting Single are also well-regarded, with odds of 6/1 and 8/1 respectively. Both have shown good form in previous races.
• Marked Kiss and Charlotte’s Spider are longer shots with odds of 8/1 and 12/1 respectively. While they may not be favorites, they could still surprise if they have a good day.

Strategic Considerations

• Early Speed: Jockeys will need to decide whether to challenge early or sit back and make a move later in the race.
• Track Position: The dynamics of the track and positioning will be crucial, especially for horses that prefer running on the inside.
• Weight Differences: The slight weight differences might play a role, especially for horses carrying less weight like Thatsaterriblidea and Forty Five.