The Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap at Sunland Park is shaping up to be an exciting race, featuring a competitive field of horses, skilled jockeys, and experienced trainers. Here’s a detailed analysis and preview of the contenders:
Race Details
- Date: March 21, 2025
- Location: Sunland Park
- Distance: 5 1/2 furlongs
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $90,000
- Eligibility: 3-year-olds and up
Contenders
- Higher Ed
- Pedigree: Sporting Chance – African Heat
- Trainer: Todd W. Fincher
- Jockey: Christian Ramos
- Owner: J. Kirk and Judy Robison
- Breeder: J. Kirk Robison & Judy Robison
- Analysis: A 4-year-old gelding with a strong pedigree, Higher Ed is expected to perform well under the guidance of Todd Fincher, a seasoned trainer.
- Beach Runner
- Pedigree: Attila’s Storm – Beach Club
- Trainer: Gerardo Ochoa-Pena
- Jockey: Jacquelyn Bobroff
- Owner: Eduardo Miramontes
- Breeder: Tom Goncharoff & Leslie Goncharoff
- Analysis: This 5-year-old gelding has shown consistency and will be looking to make an impact in this race.
- Still in the Trap
- Pedigree: Proceed – Renewed Vows
- Trainer: Victor Rodriguez
- Jockey: Aldo Arboleda
- Owner: Edilberto Estrada Cano
- Breeder: R. D. Hubbard
- Analysis: Known for his resilience, this 5-year-old gelding is a strong contender.
- Leave Them Behind
- Pedigree: Attila’s Storm – Ivy Gimlet
- Trainer: Sherry Armstrong
- Jockey: Enrique Portillo Gomez
- Owner: Permian Land Resources, LLC. and Morgan Cox
- Breeder: J & SM Inc
- Analysis: With a solid track record, Leave Them Behind is expected to be competitive.
- Dave’s Enchantment
- Pedigree: Attila’s Storm – Crafty Joi
- Trainer: Alberto Amparan
- Jockey: Francisco Amparan
- Owner: Allen J. Kincaid
- Breeder: Mr. & Mrs. Allen James Kincaid
- Analysis: This 5-year-old gelding has shown promise and could surprise the field.
- Sidewinder Slick
- Pedigree: Stellar Rain – Sidewinder Sally
- Trainer: Simon J. Buechler
- Jockey: Luis Negron
- Owner: Robert M. Driggers and Ben Lee Ivey
- Breeder: Ben Ivey & Robert Driggers
- Analysis: A 4-year-old gelding with potential, Sidewinder Slick is one to watch.
- Probate
- Pedigree: Pro Prado – Aquarellist
- Trainer: Alberto Amparan
- Jockey: Alfredo J. Juarez, Jr.
- Owner: Alberto Amparan
- Breeder: C. P. Hourigan
- Analysis: At 8 years old, Probate brings experience and determination to the race.
- Sambas Mark
- Pedigree: Marking – Samba Queen
- Trainer: Todd W. Fincher
- Jockey: Irwin J. Rosendo
- Owner: Norman W. Allen, Chuck Sonnenberg, and Fincher Racing LLC
- Breeder: R. D. Hubbard
- Analysis: This 5-year-old gelding has a strong pedigree and is expected to perform well.
- Let Him Be
- Pedigree: Sway Away – Bertrando’s Lady
- Trainer: Joel H. Marr
- Jockey: Miguel T. Fuentes, Jr.
- Owner: V Bar V Racing, LLC.
- Breeder: Jim Volk
- Analysis: A consistent performer, Let Him Be is a strong contender.
- Marking Canyon
- Pedigree: Marking – Stormy Canyon
- Trainer: Leroy A. Fincher
- Jockey: Felipe Valdez
- Owner: Leroy A. and Maureen S. Fincher
- Breeder: Leroy Fincher
- Analysis: This 4-year-old gelding has shown potential and could be a dark horse in the race.
- Tucum
- Pedigree: King Bull – Last Danz
- Trainer: Carlos Acosta, Jr.
- Jockey: Alejandro Medellin
- Owner: Karina Gonzalez
- Breeder: Tucumcari Thoroughbreds
- Analysis: At 7 years old, Tucum brings experience and grit to the field.
- Henry On the Run
- Pedigree: Attila’s Storm – Prairie Moonlight
- Trainer: Gerardo Ochoa-Pena
- Jockey: Luis Ramon Rodriguez
- Owner: Abel Montoya Duarte and Eduardo Miramontes
- Breeder: Jim Volk
- Analysis: This 8-year-old gelding is a seasoned competitor with a solid track record.
Final Thoughts
Keep an eye on Higher Ed, Sambas Mark, and Let Him Be, as they have the potential to dominate the field.
