Trainer J R Gonzalez, Jr. has a trio of entrants slated to run in today's $40,000 Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap at SunRay Park and Casino.
Almost all eyes on track however, will be focused on 5-to-2 morning line favorite Woodacouldadid, seeking her second straight win after an upset score in the La Coneja Handicap last March at Sunland.
The New Mexico-bred mare by Minister Eric is looking for her eighth lifetime victory and third over this course. Owned by Terrine G Ransier and slated to be ridden by Tracy Hebert, Woodacouldadid was away from the races for 371 days when she scored an upset win in the La Coneja last time out, improving her lifetime earnings to more than $179,000.
Woodacouldadid last raced at SunRay in 2015, when she beat optional claiming company in her final start of the season, winning by nearly 7 lengths. She is 2-for-6 over the course with a second and third-place finish also to her credit.
Breaking from post 5 in the 7-horse field, Woodacouldadid figures to be on or near the lead in the 6 1/2 furlong dash which goes as the 8th race of a 9-race card that has a first post time of 3 p.m. (MTN).
Gonzalez is also scheduled to send out Rogue Divergent, the third choice on the morning line at odds of 7-to-2.
A three-time winner from 10 career starts, Rogue Divergent finished off the board last time out against softer state-bred company at Sunland on April 4. The daughter of Valet Man is looking to snap a three-race losing streak.
Owned by Gallegos Del Norte Racing, Rogue Divergent did break her maiden at first asking over this course in 2015 and will break from post 4 with jockey Frank Reyes scheduled to ride.
The Gonzalez-trained trio also includes Singing Sofia, who finished just ahead of Rogue Divergent in that same April 4 dash at Sunland.
Alfredo Sigala has been named to pilot the daughter of Roman Emperor in the Foutz, which will be her first race over the course. The two-time winner from nine career starts will break from post 3 in the Foutz, which will be the final stakes race on the opening weekend of the current racing season and is scheduled to reach the starting gate at 5:48 p.m. (MTN).
Perhaps the horse to fear most in the Foutz Distaff is My Bikini Fell Off, who is looking to bounce back after a fourth-place finish behind the aforementioned favorite.
Trained by Bart Hone for owner Brian Mundell, My Bikini Fell Off is a multiple stakes winning mare with earnings topping $371,000. Prior to the La Coneja, My Bikini Fell Off was impressive winning the Peppers Pride Handicap at Sunland on February 19.
Photos courtesy of Coady Photography
Listed as the 3-to-1 second choice on the morning line, the daughter of Elusive Jazz finished second in this race last year behind Stormin Creek. She is an eight-time winner from 25 career starts and is slated to break from post 2 with Alfredo Juarez, Jr. in the irons.
Racing from the inside post in the Foutz is Desert City, a recent $10,000 claim for trainer Justin Evans and owner Stable HMA.
The daughter of Desert God will be making her stakes debut in this spot after a fifth place finish in her most recent start at Sunland on April 8.
The field, from the rail out, with riders and morning line odds for the Foutz:
1- DESERT CITY (Roimes Chirinos) 6-1
2- MY BIKINI FELL OFF (Juarez) 3-1
3- SINGING SOFIA (Sigala) 9-2
4- ROGUE DIVERGENT (Reyes) 7-2
5- WOODACOULDADID (Hebert) 5-2
6- ONE FOXY BABE (Victor Escobar) 15-1
7- SUNDAY ROSE (Casey Chavez) 8-1