Corrina Corrina seeks third straight NM State Racing Commission Stakes win
SUNLAND PARK — Corrina Corrina, the queen of New Mexico horse racing, is the 6-5 morning-line favorite in Sunday’s 25th running of the $80,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Stakes.
The race is the eighth on a nine-race card headlining the opening weekend of live racing at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. The Sunday program also features the 35th renewal of the $65,000 KLAQ Stakes, which includes eight of the region’s top older thoroughbred sprinters.
Trained by Gary Cross for owner Derrick W. Jenkins, Corrina Corrina is seeking her third consecutive win in the New Mexico State Racing Commission Stakes and her 10th win in 15 starts over the course. With a bankroll of more than $1.5 million and 22 wins from 42 career starts, the New Mexico-bred mare by Mr Trieste is the all-time leading state-bred thoroughbred in wins and lifetime earnings.
Corrina Corrina will be ridden by regular pilot Tracy Hebert. The pair will break from the outside post in the 10-horse field for the 5 1/2-furlong event, which has a scheduled post time of 3:32 p.m.
Among Corrina Corrina’s leading rivals is the Danny Morales-trained First Again, who will break from post eight with jockey Miguel Perez. The daughter of Axiomatic has won two of her last three starts and was most recently second to Mark It Down in an allowance race Nov. 15 at Zia Park.
A nine-time winner from 30 career starts, First Again is the 7-2 second choice on the morning line.
The 66th season of live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino opens Friday. First post time each day is 12:25 p.m.
Race days are Friday through Monday until the season closes Sunday, April 5. Friday and Saturday cards will feature quarter horse racing, while thoroughbred racing will be held Sunday and Monday.
The field, from the rail out, with morning line odds and jockeys, for the $80,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Stakes:
1 RIGHT FOR YOU 10-1 (Oscar Andrade, Jr.)
2 MO MONEY TIME 15-1 (Alfredo Juarez, Jr.)
3 DIAMANTE ELEGANTE 12-1 (Luis Valenzuela)
4 SAPELLO SAMBA 15-1 (Alejandro Medellin)
5 STORM IN THE VALLE 15-1 (Christian Ramos)
6 MARK IT DOWN 6-1 (Miguel Fuentes, Jr.)
7 QUITE LOVELY 20-1 (Francisco Amparan)
8 FIRST AGAIN 7/2 (Miguel Perez)
9 RUN AWAY BAY 10-1 (Ken Tohill)
10 CORRINA CORRINA 6/5 (Tracy Hebert)