Marking Canyon proves best late in 23rd running of $100,000 New Mexico State University Stakes
Marking Canyon picked up his second straight win and second stakes win of the Sunland Park season, rumbling down the lane and prevailing in the 23rd running of the $100,000 New Mexico State University Stakes under jockey Aldo Arboleda.
Trained by Leroy Fincher, Marking Canyon was never too far behind a moderate pace, with post time favorite Corrina Corrina dueling with Holy Hank and Antonio’s Mark through a half mile timed in 48.31 seconds. As the field turned for home, Marking Canyon loomed on the outside and gradually wore down Corrina Corrina and jockey Tracy Hebert to win by a length. The son of Marking stopped the clock in a time of 1:41.26 for the 1 mile and 70 yard journey.
Marking Canyon came into the NMSU Stakes off a convincing score in the Albert and Henry Dominguez Memorial Stakes last time out. Owned by Leroy A. and Maureen S. Fincher and bred by Leroy Fincher, Marking Canyon has now won eight times from 25 lifetime starts with earnings of more than $530,000.
Corrina Corrina, looking to snap a two-race losing streak and currently the all-time winningest and richest New Mexico-bred thoroughbred racehorse, finished second, well clear of the rest of the field. She remains at 22 wins from 45 starts with career earnings of more than $1.56 million.
Sent off as the 2.30-to-1 second choice in the wagering, Marking Canyon paid $6.60 to his winning backers. The $2 exacta with Corrina Corrina returned $12.60. Antonio’s Mark settled for third with Holy Hank rounding out the top four finishers.