With more than $1.54 million in career earnings and 22 wins from 44 starts, Corrina Corrina remains the most formidable presence in the state’s stakes program.
Source: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino
Photo or Corina Corina Courtesy Coady Media
A pair of New Mexico’s top thoroughbreds are heading back to the starting gate Sunday as Corrina Corrina and Mojica headlines a compact field in the 21st running of the Albert and Henry Dominguez Memorial Stakes.
The 1 1/6 mile event carries an $80,000 guaranteed purse and is restricted to New Mexico-bred older runners.
Corrina Corrina, a 7-year-old mare owned by Derrick Jenkins, enters the race as a titan of the turf. With more than $1.54 million in career earnings and 22 wins from 44 starts, she remains the most formidable presence in the state’s stakes program.
Though she has settled for runner-up honors in her two starts this year — most recently closing late in the Harry Henson Stakes on Feb. 15 — her 9-for-16 record at Sunland Park makes her a formidable candidate to find the winner’s circle once more.
Standing in her way is the 8-5 morning-line favorite, Mojica. The 4-year-old gelding has been untouchable at Sunland this season, posting back-to-back victories including an effortless gate-to-wire score in the Jamison Memorial on Feb. 9.
The rivalry at the top is bolstered by a deep supporting cast. I Think I’m Here, a 7-year-old veteran and the race’s defending champion, is seeking a return to form for trainer Lillian Silva.
After a flat third-place finish in allowance company last month, the gelding returns to the distance where he has historically done his best work, boasting two wins over the Sunland course.
Adding to the intrigue is Holy Hank (6-1), a model of consistency who has finished in the top three in all 16 of his career starts.
The race is scheduled as the ninth on Sunday’s card which has a first post time of 12:25 p.m.
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