Horses: Marking Canyon Upsets Field in Dominguez Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park

SUNLAND PARK — Marking Canyon and jockey Aldo Arboleda delivered a late charge Sunday to win the 21st running of the $80,000 Albert and Henry Dominguez Memorial Stakes for older New Mexico-bred thoroughbreds at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

Courtesy Coady Media

Trained by Leroy Fincher for owners Leroy and Maureen Fincher, Marking Canyon settled just off the early pace as Holy Hank and post-time favorite Mojica battled on the front end through a half mile in 46.54 seconds.

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Holy Hank faded approaching the far turn, leaving Mojica to take the lead at the top of the stretch. But Arboleda guided Marking Canyon into contention down the lane, overtaking the favorite in the final 100 yards to win by 1 ¾ lengths. The five-year-old completed the 1 1/16-mile race over a fast track in 1:42.16.

The victory marked the first career stakes win for Marking Canyon and his first victory in a route race. The New Mexico-bred son of Marking entered the race after finishing a distant second behind Mojica in last month’s Jamison Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park.

Courtesy Coady Media

With the win, Marking Canyon improved his career record to seven victories in 24 starts and pushed his earnings past $470,000.

Antonios Mark finished third, followed by Short Round Bound. Corrina Corrina was scratched earlier in the day, leaving a field of six runners.