A $1200 carryover in the Super High Five and a late pick four are where we'll find best bets for the Monday program, which has a first post time of 3pm.
Race Six (Post time, 5pm, MT)
Last season's top two thoroughbred riders figure to do battle in the opening leg of the late pick four sequence. #5 EL NEGRO CABALLERO and #6 BIG TALL PAUL look to be major players in this claiming sprint. 'Caballero, with Tracy Hebert aboard, makes his local debut coming off a solid second-place finish last time out, while 'Paul, piloted by Alfredo Juarez, Jr., has already shown a liking for this course and should be close to a moderate early pace. #8 UNCLE FUDGE turns back in distance and could be pushed along from his outside post.
Race Seven (Post time, 5:24pm MT)
#6 DONNA WHO looks like a standout in this 7 furlong sprint for fillies and mares. She drops in class for a red-hot Todd Fincher barn, appears to be the controlling speed turning back in distance and could be long gone in here at a rather short price. Adventurous types might want to consider #2 SEVENTH TEE, another runner turning back in distance.
Race Eight (Post time, 5:48 MT)
#6 SHINING SOURCE has finished no worse than second in each of his last four starts, with two stakes wins at Sunland Park on his resume. He's a multiple time winner over the course, he's the defending champion in this race and is reunited with the same rider who guided him to victory here last year in Isaias Enriquez. But he's not the only contender, as #4 THUNDER DOME has to be included. The Dallas Barton trainee has been no worse than third in 11 of his past 12 starts. He figures to be on or near the lead throughout under Juarez and should be in the thick of things turning for home. #3 GM GAGE can be excused for his last out at Sunland Park. He gets Hebert back on board this afternoon and will be aided by what could be a moderate early pace.
Race Nine (Post time, 6:12 pm MT, Super High 5 Carryover of $1202)
A puzzling race to close out the day. #5 JJ'S EVENT might have found the softest spot in his career, but has done little to impress in most recent starts. Top rider/trainer tandem looks to have the edge if they decide to go to the pedals early here. #10 RUN LIGHTS OUT owns a pair of third place efforts in his most recent starts and could be a threat on the route-to-sprint angle. #6 SILVER FLASK is making just his second career start and is likely to improve. #7 RIGAMAJIG showed speed and flattened out last time out but could get loose here.
The Pick Four Ticket (In order of preference)
R6 -- 5,6,8
R7 -- 6,2
R8 -- 6,4,3
R9 -- 5,10,6
Cost of Ticket: $27
The Pick Four Budget Ticket (In order of preference)
R6 -- 5,6
R7 -- 6
R8 -- 6,4,3
R9 -- 5,10,6
Cost of Ticket: $9