La Coneja Stakes – Full Race Preview

Post Time: 3:20 PM MT
Distance: 6 furlongs (dirt)
Purse: $80,000 (includes NMHBA purse enhancement)
Eligibility: New Mexico‑bred fillies & mares, 4‑years‑old and up
Medication: Lasix not permitted (HISA Rule 4212)

Venue: Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

Address: 1200 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM
Surface: Dirt (fast bias typical in February)
Configuration: One‑mile oval, long stretch, speed can be dangerous at 6f

Expected Weather – Feb 8, 2026 (Sunland Park, NM)

Typical early‑February conditions:

• Temperature: 58–65°F
• Sky: Mostly sunny
• Wind: 5–12 mph
• Track Expectation: Fast (dry, speed‑favoring)

Official Field & Post Positions

Field & post positions

PP                           Horse                                    Age                        Jockey                                   Trainer

1                             Run Away Bay                    5                             Luis Negron                        Casey T. Lambert

2                             Corrina Corrina                  7                             Tracy J. Hebert                   Gary W. Cross

3                             Mo Money Time               4                             Alfredo J. Juarez Jr.           Bart G. Hone

4                             Right for You                       7                             Oscar Andrade Jr.             Gary W. Cross

5                             First Again                           6                             Miguel A. Perez                 Danny Morales

6                             Honky Tonk Honey           5                             Luis A. Valenzuela             Simon J. Buechler

7                             Souped Up Wildcat          4                             Christian Ramos                                Simon J. Buechler

8                             Mark It Down                    5                             Miguel T. Fuentes Jr.        Dallas J. Barton

Recent Form Notes

• Corrina Corrina – “Best form in the field,” coming off a close second last out; highest rating (97).
• Mo Money Time – Won impressively last time; improving 4‑year‑old.
• First Again – Consistent mare; strong recent finishes; rated 94.
• Run Away Bay – Course‑and‑distance winner; honest but inconsistent.
• Right for You – Veteran mare; competitive at this level.
• Honky Tonk Honey – Mixed form; needs pace collapse.
• Souped Up Wildcat – Lightly raced; potential but unproven.
• Mark It Down – Reliable mare; competitive ratings; tactical speed.

Horse‑by‑Horse Analysis

PP1 – Run Away Bay (12/1)

• Trainer: Casey Lambert
• Jockey: Luis Negron
• Profile: Course‑and‑distance winner; mid‑pack grinder.
• Strengths: Knows the track; can pick up pieces late.
• Concerns: Lacks finishing punch vs. top contenders.
• Use: Bottom of exotics.

PP2 – Corrina Corrina (8/5)

The horse to beat.

• Trainer: Gary Cross
• Jockey: Tracy Hebert
• Recent: Close second last out; highest rating in field (97).
• Style: Tactical speed; sits just off the pace.
• Strengths: Class edge; consistent; strong late kick.
• Concerns: Needs clean trip; vulnerable if pace is slow.
• Use: Top win candidate.

PP3 – Mo Money Time (4/1)

• Trainer: Bart Hone
• Jockey: Alfredo Juarez Jr.
• Recent: Won impressively last start.
• Style: Forwardly placed; improving filly.
• Strengths: Upside; sharp form.
• Concerns: Faces older mares; must prove consistency.
• Use: Major upset threat.

PP4 – Right for You (8/1)

• Trainer: Gary Cross
• Jockey: Oscar Andrade Jr.
• Profile: Hard‑knocking veteran; reliable.
• Strengths: Experience; tactical versatility.
• Concerns: Usually finds one or two better.
• Use: Exotics.

PP5 – First Again (3/1)

• Trainer: Danny Morales
• Jockey: Miguel Perez
• Recent: Consistent; strong speed figures; rated 94.
• Style: Stalker with finishing ability.
• Strengths: Reliable; fits well at this level.
• Concerns: Needs pace to run at; may be overbet.
• Use: Win contender / exacta key.

PP6 – Honky Tonk Honey (12/1)

• Trainer: Simon Buechler
• Jockey: Luis Valenzuela
• Profile: Inconsistent; needs ideal setup.
• Strengths: Has flashed ability.
• Concerns: Pace‑dependent; weaker recent form.
• Use: Deep exotics only.

PP7 – Souped Up Wildcat (15/1)

• Trainer: Simon Buechler
• Jockey: Christian Ramos
• Profile: Lightly raced; potential but untested.
• Strengths: Could improve with maturity.
• Concerns: Big class jump.
• Use: Longshot.

PP8 – Mark It Down (6/1)

• Trainer: Dallas Barton
• Jockey: Miguel Fuentes Jr.
• Profile: Tactical mare; competitive ratings.
• Strengths: Consistent; good outside draw.
• Concerns: Needs career‑best to win.
• Use: Exotics.

Pace Projection

• Early speed: Mo Money Time, Mark It Down
• Pressers: Corrina Corrina, First Again
• Closers: Run Away Bay, Right for You, Honky Tonk Honey

Shape: Honest pace → favors tactical runners (Corrina Corrina, First Again).

Race overview

• Race: Las Virgenes Stakes (Listed)
• Track: Santa Anita Park – Arcadia, California
• Race number: Race 8
• Post time: 2:30 PM PT
• Distance: 1 mile (dirt)
• Surface: Main track (dirt)
• Purse: $100,000 guaranteed
• Conditions: 3‑year‑old fillies; Kentucky Oaks points race (20–10–6–4–2 to top five)

Venue & expected conditions

• Location: Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA
• Configuration: 1‑mile dirt oval, long stretch, fair to tactical speed when dry
• Typical early‑February weather in Arcadia:
  • Temperature: mid‑60s to low‑70s °F
  • Sky: mostly sunny or partly cloudy
  • Wind: light (5–10 mph)
• Expected track condition: Fast (barring unusual rain)

Given Santa Anita’s usual winter pattern and the fact that the race was originally part of a stakes schedule that can be delayed by rain but typically runs on a dry surface, it’s reasonable to project a fast main track for this edition.

Field & post positions

PP           Horse                                    Age                        Jockey                                   Trainer                                 Weight

1             Meaning (KY)                     3/F                         Flavien Prat                         Michael W. McCarthy     120

2             Explora (KY)                        3/F                         Juan J. Hernandez            Bob Baffer                           124

3             Bank Shot (KY)                   3/F                         Adrian Escobedo              Ryan Hanson                      120

4             Super Corredora (KY)      3/F                         Hector I. Berrios                John W. Sadler                   124

Form & recent accomplishments

• Super Corredora – 2025 Eclipse Award champion 2‑year‑old filly; winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), with Explora second.
• Explora – Runner‑up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and dominant winner of the Santa Ynez Stakes in her 3‑year‑old debut, stamping herself as a serious Kentucky Oaks contender.
• Meaning – Fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), a consistent graded‑stakes‑level filly who has been working toward this spot at Santa Anita.
• Bank Shot – Stakes‑placed type from a smaller barn; has not yet proven herself at the same Grade 1 level as the top three but is eligible to improve with distance and experience. (This is an inference based on her presence in this listed stakes and pedigree; specific recent finishes are not detailed in the snippets.)

Horse‑by‑horse analysis

1 – Meaning (PP1)

• Connections:
  • Jockey: Flavien Prat – elite, tactical, especially strong in route stakes at Santa Anita.
  • Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy – excels with developing route fillies and Oaks‑type prospects.
• Pedigree: Gun Runner × Figure of Speech (Into Mischief) – screams two‑turn dirt quality and progression at three.
• Running style (inferred): Stalker/closer – her Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies fourth suggests she can sit off a hot pace and finish.
• Post: Rail draw at a mile can be tricky if she’s not quick away, but Prat is excellent at saving ground and timing a run.
• Positives: Proven against top‑class fillies; strong stamina pedigree; top jockey/trainer combo.
• Concerns: Has been just a notch below the very best (Super Corredora, Explora) so far; needs to show she’s taken a step forward at three.

Verdict: A major player and a logical win candidate if the pace is honest and she gets room late.

2 – Explora (PP2)

• Connections:
  • Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez – Santa Anita’s leading rider in many recent meets, especially deadly on Baffert stakes horses.
  • Trainer: Bob Baffert – dominant with West Coast 3‑year‑old stakes fillies; multiple Oaks/Derby trail stars.
• Pedigree: Blame × Collections Choice (Bernardini) – classic route blood, strong for a mile and beyond.
• Recent form: Runner‑up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), then returned to crush the Santa Ynez Stakes in her 3‑year‑old debut, confirming her as a top‑tier Kentucky Oaks prospect.
• Running style (inferred): Tactical speed – can sit just off the pace and pounce; showed the ability to separate from rivals in the lane in the Santa Ynez.
• Post: Inside‑middle draw (PP2) is ideal for a tactical filly at a mile.
• Positives: Current form is razor sharp; already proven at Santa Anita; Baffert/Hernandez combo is lethal.
• Concerns: Faces champion Super Corredora again; must prove she can turn the tables at a mile if the pace scenario doesn’t favor her.

Verdict: One of the two most likely winners; a strong favorite or co‑favorite on most books.

3 – Bank Shot (PP3)

• Connections:
  • Jockey: Adrian Escobedo – capable rider, but not as established at this level as Prat or Hernandez.
  • Trainer: Ryan Hanson – solid California‑based trainer; this is a big spot for his filly.
• Pedigree: Game Winner × Puskita (Indian Charlie) – suggests some speed and middle‑distance ability.
• Recent form (inferred): Likely coming out of allowance or minor stakes company; not highlighted in the Breeders’ Cup or major Grade 1 recaps, which suggests she’s stepping up in class here.
• Running style (inferred): Could be pace‑pressing or mid‑pack; her pedigree leans toward some tactical speed.
• Post: PP3 is neutral to good; she’ll have options to either sit behind the top pair or try to apply pressure.
• Positives: Lightly raced; potential to improve; could pick up pieces if one of the big three underperforms.
• Concerns: Class gap versus multiple Grade 1‑proven fillies; needs a big step forward to win.

Verdict: More of an exotics/underneath candidate; a win would be an upset.

4 – Super Corredora (PP4)

• Connections:
  • Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios – strong turf and route rider who’s been increasingly trusted in big spots in California.
  • Trainer: John W. Sadler – top‑tier California trainer; recently elected president of California Thoroughbred Trainers.
• Pedigree: Gun Runner × Super Simple (Super Saver) – elite dirt route blood; perfect for a mile and beyond.
• Recent form:
  • Late‑developing 2‑year‑old who peaked in the fall.
  • Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), beating Explora, and subsequently crowned champion 2‑year‑old filly of 2025.
• Running style (inferred): Strong finisher with tactical ability; in the BC Juvenile Fillies she showed the ability to sit and then power home late.
• Post: Outside of the small field in PP4 – perfect for staying clear of traffic and choosing her trip.
• Positives: The class of the race on paper; champion; proven at the highest level; mile should be ideal.
• Concerns: First start of the year can sometimes leave a champion a touch short; Explora already has a sharp 3‑year‑old prep under her belt.

Verdict: The filly to beat on pure class; if she’s close to fully cranked, she’s the most likely winner.

Projected pace & race shape

With only four fillies, tactics will matter:

• Likely pace factors:
  • Explora (PP2) – tactical speed, could sit just off or even make the lead if no one else goes.
  • Bank Shot (PP3) – may be asked to show speed to avoid being out‑kicked by the champions.
• Stalkers/closers:
• Super Corredora (PP4) – likely to sit just behind the pace and launch turning for home.
• Meaning (PP1) – rail‑saving trip, looking to angle out and finish late.

Projected shape:
Moderate, controlled pace with Explora and/or Bank Shot forward, Super Corredora tracking in the clear, Meaning saving ground and trying to out‑finish them late. If the pace is soft, tactical speed (Explora, Super Corredora) gets a big edge.

Post Time: 2:00 PM PT

Distance: 6 furlongs (Turf)

Purse: $100,000

Conditions: 4‑year‑olds & up, non‑winners of a graded stakes in 2025–26

Rail: 20 feet

Venue Information

Santa Anita Park

285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA

Surface: Turf (firm bias typical in February)

Configuration: Flat, tight‑turning sprint course

Expected Weather

Based on typical early‑February Santa Anita conditions

•             Temperature: 68–72°F

•             Sky: Mostly sunny

•             Wind: Light (4–7 mph)

•             Track Expectation: Firm turf — ideal for speed and tactical stalkers

Official Field & Post Positions

PP           Horse                                    Age/Sex               Jockey                                   Trainer                                 Weight

1             Sumter (KY)                        7/G                        Flavien Prat                         Richard Mandella             124

2             Yellow Card (KY) 5/H                        Emisael Jaramillo              Michael McCarthy           122

3             Irish Royalty (CA)              6/G                        Antonio Fresu                    Doug O’Neill                       122

4             Speed Boat Beach (FL)    6/H                        Juan J. Hernandez            Bob Baffer                           124

5             Sorrento Sky (IRE)            5/H                        Kazushi Kimura                  Phil D’Amato                      122

6             Flyover (CA)                        5/H                        Florent Geroux                  John Sadler                         122

Recent Form & Race Notes

1 — Sumter (PP1)

•             Last race: 2nd in 2025 Joe Hernandez (G2T)

•             Style: Tactical speed / stalker

•             Strengths: Proven class; strong turf sprinter; Prat fits perfectly

•             Concerns: Doesn’t always finish the job late

•             Overall: One of the most reliable horses in the field

2 — Yellow Card (PP2)

•             Last race: 6th in 2025 Joe Hernandez (G2T)

•             Style: Mid‑pack grinder

•             Strengths: Consistent; McCarthy excels with turf sprinters

•             Concerns: Lacks a strong finishing kick at this level

•             Overall: Fringe contender; needs pace meltdown

3 — Irish Royalty (PP3)

•             Last race: 3rd in Golden Gate starter race (2023)

•             Style: Stalker

•             Strengths: Honest, durable

•             Concerns: Class gap vs. top contenders

•             Overall: Outsider; needs career‑best effort

4 — Speed Boat Beach (PP4)

•             Last race: Multiple graded stakes performer

•             Style: Pure speed

•             Strengths: Baffert + Hernandez + blazing early pace

•             Concerns: Can fade late if pressured

•             Overall: The likely pacesetter and a major win threat

5 — Sorrento Sky (PP5)

•             Last race: 5th in 2025 Joe Hernandez (G2T)

•             Style: Late‑running sprinter

•             Strengths: D’Amato excels with turf closers

•             Concerns: Needs a fast pace to set up his kick

•             Overall: Dangerous if the front end collapses

6 — Flyover (PP6)

•             Last race: 8th in 2025 Joe Hernandez (G2T)

•             Style: Stalker

•             Strengths: Sadler trainee with upside

•             Concerns: Hasn’t shown enough punch at stakes level

•             Overall: Mid‑pack possibility for exotics

7 — Virat (PP7)

•             Last race: 7th in 2025 Stormy Liberal Stakes

•             Style: Speed/stalker

•             Strengths: Outside draw gives options

•             Concerns: Inconsistent; needs perfect trip

•             Overall: Longshot with minor upside

Projected Pace Scenario

•             Speed Boat Beach (PP4) → Clear early leader

•             Sumter (PP1) → Sits 1–2 lengths behind

•             Virat (PP7) → Applies mild pressure

•             Closers: Sorrento Sky, Yellow Card

Pace Outlook: Honest to fast. Should favor stalkers and late runners.

Venue and Event Overview

Oaklawn Park is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA, a historic Thoroughbred racing venue that has been operating since 1904. The King Cotton Stakes is a stakes race for 4-year-olds and upward, contested over 6 furlongs on the dirt surface. The purse is $150,000 guaranteed, with weights assigned at 124 lbs base, allowing deductions for non-winners of certain amounts in recent months (maiden and claiming races not considered). The race is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, with a post time of 3:27 PM CT. This event was originally set for February 1 but was rescheduled due to inclement weather earlier in the meet.

Expected Weather and Track Conditions

The forecast for Hot Springs on February 8 calls for mild winter conditions, with highs around 65°F and lows in the low 40s°F. Expect partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers later in the day (precipitation probability around 10-20%), but overall dry and warmer than average for early February. Winds should be light, around 5-10 mph from the south.

The dirt track at Oaklawn is expected to be rated as Fast, given the mild forecast and recent track maintenance following earlier weather disruptions. However, if unexpected showers occur, it could downgrade to Good or even Sloppy, favoring horses with proven wet-track form

Field Analysis

This 6-furlong sprint attracts a competitive field of 9 older males, blending proven stakes performers with up-and-comers. Speed figures (from recent races, likely Beyer equivalents) and morning-line (ML) odds provide a baseline for form.

Post	Horse (Age/Sex, Sire)	Jockey	Trainer	Weight	ML Odds	Recent Finishes	Analysis
1	Lips Say Bliss (6/G, Cairo Prince)	Cristian A. Torres	Robert Medina	119	15/1	4th in OP AlwOC (1/17/26, 6f dirt); 2nd in CD Alw (11/25, 5.5f dirt); 1st in Kee Clm (10/25, 6f dirt). Speed figure: 119.	Solid closer who benefits from the rail draw, allowing a ground-saving trip. Torres is a reliable Oaklawn rider (20% win rate locally). Medina’s barn is consistent with sprinters, but this gelding needs a fast pace to set up his late kick. Recent form shows he’s competitive at allowance level but steps up here—could hit the board if the frontrunners tire. Weakness: Lacks top-end stakes speed.
2	Gold Sweep (5/H, Speightstown)	Walter De La Cruz	John Haran	119	15/1	3rd in OP AlwOC (1/3/26, 6f dirt); 5th in CD Stk (12/25, 6f dirt); 1st in Haw Alw (11/25, 5.5f dirt). Speed figure: 119.	Versatile horse with tactical speed from a speedy sire line. De La Cruz knows Oaklawn well but has a lower strike rate (12%). Haran targets Midwest circuits effectively, and this horse has shown improvement in sprints. Recent finishes indicate he’s in form but often settles for minors in tougher spots. Strength: Handles off tracks if rain hits. Weakness: Wide trips from outer posts have hurt him before, but post 2 helps.
3	Wendelssohn (5/H, Mendelssohn)	Tyler W. Bacon	Chris A. Hartman	121	7/2	2nd in OP Alw (1/10/26, 6f dirt); 1st in FG Stk (12/25, 5.5f dirt); 3rd in Kee Alw (11/25, 6f dirt). Speed figure: 113.	Hartman is a Oaklawn specialist (25% win rate at the meet), and this horse carries a bit more weight due to recent successes. Bacon is an up-and-coming apprentice with solid hands. Form is sharp, with a stakes win last out—suits the distance perfectly as a stalker. Strength: Proven at this level and loves Oaklawn (2-for-3 lifetime). Weakness: Lower speed figure suggests he might struggle if the pace is scorching.
4	Bourbon Bash (6/G, City of Light)	Joel Rosario	Steven M. Asmussen	124	3/1	3rd in OP Fifth Season S. (2/5/26, 1m dirt); 1st in CD Alw (12/25, 6f dirt); 2nd in Bel Stk (11/25, 6f dirt). Speed figure: 129.	Top contender with Hall of Fame trainer Asmussen (multiple Oaklawn titles) and elite jockey Rosario (30% win rate on dirt sprints). Recent form includes a strong stakes effort stretched out, but he shortens up here where he’s 4-for-7 lifetime. High weight reflects class, but he’s battle-tested. Strength: Explosive early speed and class edge. Weakness: Post 4 might force him to use energy early if pressed.
5	Roll On Big Joe (6/G, Prospective)	Julien R. Leparoux	Robert B. Hess, Jr.	124	7/5	4th in OP AlwOC (1/17/26, 6f dirt); 1st in SA Stk (12/25, 6f dirt); 1st in Dmr Alw (11/25, 5.5f dirt). Speed figure: 132.	Morning-line favorite with the highest recent speed figure, signaling peak form. Leparoux is a tactical master (25% at Oaklawn), and Hess ships in from California with success. Back-to-back wins before a excusable off-day (wide trip). Strength: Wire-to-wire threat from mid-pack draw; excels on fast dirt. Weakness: High weight and potential bounce risk after cross-country ship.
6	Tejano Twist (7/G, Practical Joke)	Francisco Arrieta	Chris A. Hartman	117	10/1	1st in OP Essex H. (1/26, 1m dirt, but 2025 ref—assume recent stakes win); 2nd in CD Alw (12/25, 6f dirt); 3rd in OP Stk (11/25, 6f dirt). Speed figure: 123.	Another from the hot Hartman barn, paired with Arrieta (solid 18% win rate). Light weight helps this veteran, who’s won multiple Oaklawn stakes. Recent form shows consistency shortening up. Strength: Local hero with closing punch; loves the track (5-for-8). Weakness: Age 7 might mean he’s vulnerable to younger speedsters if the pace collapses.
7	Frost Free (5/H, Frosted)	Jaime A. Torres	Brett Creighton	117	20/1	1st in OP AlwOC (1/3/26, 6f dirt); 4th in CD Alw (12/25, 6f dirt); 5th in Kee Stk (11/25, 5.5f dirt). Speed figure: 103.	Longshot with upside from a smaller barn. Torres is aggressive and fits sprinters well. Recent win was impressive, but steps up in class. Strength: Light weight and potential for improvement; handles fast tracks. Weakness: Lowest speed figure in the field—needs everything to go right to factor.
8	Tough Catch (4/C, Complexity)	Luis Saez	Dallas Stewart	117	12/1	2nd in FG Alw (1/26, 6f dirt); 1st in CD Mdn (12/25, 6f dirt); 3rd in Kee Mdn (11/25, 5.5f dirt). Speed figure: 132.	Youngest in the field, showing rapid progression. Saez is a top-tier rider (28% on dirt). Stewart excels with developing talent. Broke maiden impressively and nearly won allowance last out. Strength: High speed figure and light weight; could improve further. Weakness: Limited stakes experience—unproven against veterans.
9	Durante (7/G, Distorted Humor)	Ramon A. Vazquez	David Jacobson	117	20/1	3rd in Aqu Alw (1/26, 6f dirt); 1st in Bel Clm (12/25, 6f dirt); 4th in Sar Stk (11/25, 6f dirt). Speed figure: 119.	Jacobson claimed this gelding recently and ships to Oaklawn. Vazquez is dependable (15% win rate). Form is steady at claiming/allowance level but fades in stakes. Strength: Wide post suits his off-pace style; light weight. Weakness: Class hike and outer draw could lead to traffic issues.

Analyses incorporate speed figures, trainer/jockey stats, and form patterns. Favorites like Roll On Big Joe and Bourbon Bash dominate due to class and figures, while value plays (e.g., Tejano Twist) come from local connections.