Corrina Corrina, Matilda’s Mark square off in Peppers Pride NM Classic

HOBBS – Two of the most dynamic females on the racetrack will square off for the first time Monday at Zia Park in the $200,000 Peppers Pride New Mexico Classic, one of seven stakes races featuring some of the most talented thoroughbreds bred in the state.

Corrina Corrina, on the verge of rewriting the New Mexico record books in search of her 22nd career victory, has been established as the 1-to-2 morning line favorite in the one-mile affair. The 6-year-old daughter of Mr. Trieste won her most recent start, snapping a three-race losing streak and equaling Yulla Yulla for most wins by a state-bred thoroughbred.

With earnings of nearly $1.4 million, Corrina Corrina is owned and bred by Derrick Jenkins and trained by Gary Cross. She will break from post two in the six-horse contest under jockey Tracy Hebert.

The main opposition to Corrina Corrina will come from 3-year-old filly Matilda’s Mark and trainer Todd Fincher, listed as the second choice on the morning line at odds of 8-to-5.

Owned by Fincher Racing, LLC and bred by Fincher, Matilda’s Mark has won three straight races, including her most recent start over this course on Nov. 3. The daughter of Marking was a romping winner in the Petticoat Stakes over the summer at Albuquerque Downs, drawing clear to a 12-length victory under Luis Valenzuela, who will be back on board Monday afternoon.

Matilda’s Mark has three wins from five career starts and has earned $109,000. She will break from post six in the contest.

Post time for the Peppers Pride New Mexico Classic is scheduled for 1:26 p.m. First post is scheduled for 12:05 p.m.

The field, with riders and morning line odds, for the $200,000 Peppers Pride New Mexico Classic:

1 Council’s Jazel 50-1 (Fausto Da Silva) 50-1

2 Corrina Corrina 1-2 (Tracy Hebert) 1-2 

3 Comforts Jazel 50-1 (Elvin Gonzalez)

4 Our Time to Shine 15-1 (Francisco Amparan)

5 Honky Tonk Honey 8-1 (Guillermo Rodriguez)

6 Matilda’s Mark 8-5 (Luis Valenzuela)

Photo of Corrina Corrina courtesy Coady Media