Some things to think about after the first week of racing at SunRay Park and Casino.
There could be a new sheriff in town. Or maybe more than one, and they're all going to likely make things interesting atop the jockey standings for both the quarter horses and thoroughbreds.
Tracy Hebert, coming off a solid season at the recently completed meet at Sunland Park in which he finished fourth in the overall standings, had a big day on Monday, riding three winners including the stakes winner Woodacouldadid in the Foutz Distaff Handicap.
Miguel Perez had a big splash this past week as well, riding three winners on Saturday, headlined by Redneck Humor's romp in the park in the Inaugural Handicap as well as a pair of winners on Monday. Perez, who finished seventh in the overall thoroughbred standings at Sunland, has made a big impression in the first week of the season here in Farmington.
Of course, they'll all have to deal with the current champion of the room. Alfredo Juarez, Jr. had a riding triple on Sunday and appears more than ready to defend his title.
Juarez loses Derby mount on Hence
On a related note, I guess I can't say I was surprised to learn the news this week that Florent Geroux would be named to ride Steve Asmussen-trained Hence in the May 6 Kentucky Derby.
Coming off his emphatic win in the Sunland Derby last month, Hence has definitely earned his way into the starting gate. But Juarez, who rode him to victory that day at Sunland Park, won't get the opportunity to pilot the son of Street Boss under the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs.
Yes it is true, racing fans. The sport is also a business. And sometimes, it can be a cruel one.
#LessonsLearned
Juarez has every right to be disappointed in the decision, but he's also smart enough to recognize the talent he possesses and the ability to step up for whatever situation arises along the way.
Salcedo off to a good start
On the quarter horse side of things, jockey Mauro Salcedo has caught the eye this opening week.
Coming off a strong season in El Paso, Salcedo rode a pair of winners on opening day, including a sharp looking ride aboard Jm Country Man in the Animas Stakes.
Salcedo will hopefully have more opportunities here in the next few weeks before potentially splitting time between Farmington and Ruidoso when their season opens later this spring.
Evans picks up right where he left off
In addition to the rollicking score by Redneck Humor in Saturday's Inaugural Handicap, it was a good start to the season (no surprise) for trainer Justin Evans.
Evans saddled six winners in the opening weekend, but he might have saved his best for Monday's finale, with an emphatic allowance winner by the name of Ekati Wildcat.
A Kentucky-bred son of Tale of Ekati and having raced primarily in Woodbine throughout much of his career, Ekati Wildcat recently shipped to New Mexico and had finished second in two allowance races last season at Sunland.
On Monday, Ekati Wildcat, with Perez on board, broke through with a near-13 length score in the nightcap. He could turn out to be something pretty special.
Derby coverage ramps up this weekend
Don't forget, our extensive coverage of the May 6 Kentucky Derby begins very soon on FOX AM1340/93.9FM as well as on your I heart Radio app.
In addition to our great team of handicappers and opinion-makers on this weekend's editions of "The Fast Track", we'll also be bringing on a wide array of national guests next week on "First Sports" to give you all the insight and analysis you'll need for handicapping and wagering on the Run for the Roses.
And don't forget, our exclusive live coverage of the Derby will air live on FOX AM1340/93.9FM, presented by Westwood One and the Horse Racing Radio Network.
Tune in at FOX AM1340/93.9FM, or check us out on the web right here or on Facebook at First Sports with Steve Bortstein or on Twitter @Fox1340AM
Photo courtesy of The Denver Post
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