Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino (Sunday, March 23, 2008)
Peppers Pride gains 15th win in $100,000 Sydney Valentini Handicap
Peppers Pride extended her unbeaten winning streak to 15 races with a superb
one and one-quarter length victory in the $100,000 Sydney Valentini Handicap
at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.
Under a patient ride from Carlos Madeira, Peppers Pride eventually wore
down her rivals and powered through the stretch run of the one mile
feature for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares.
The winning margin understated her dominance. The five-year-old star
by Desert God had clearly assumed command in mid-stretch and was
in total control.
Carrying high weight of 125 pounds, Peppers Pride stalked her opponents
around the first turn and commenced her attrack in the final quarter mile.
She responded eagerly and showed no rust from her three month layoff.
Winning trainer Joel Marr had his charge in exquisite condition.
Peppers Pride moved to within one victory of the all-time thoroughbred
record for 16 consecutive wins held by Cigar, Citation, Mister Frisky and
Hallowed Dreams. Her next race is certain to attract national attention.
Peppers Pride earned $60,000 on Sunday for owner Joseph Allen of
Abilene, Texas. Mr. Allen claimed the champion to be “New Mexico’s
Horse.” The New Mexico-bred mare has now earned over $816,000
from her perfect 15-race career.
The 1-2 favorite clocked the one mile distance in 1:38.13.
Theregoesdancer closed well under jockey Glen Murphy to earn
second place honors. She has run second to Peppers Pride at least
six times in her career. The runner-up finished nearly 3-lengths in front
of Wild Gini.
The latter forced the pace in tandem with Complete Pride. She fought
hard to hold onto the third place with jockey Nancy Summers.
Let the Musicbegin, Complete Pride, Good Looker R F and She’s Long
Gone rounded out the order of finish.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:55 p.m.