US Horse Racing Tips: Thursday’s focus is Sunland Park

Our US horse racing expert Paul Quigley is back with his thoughts on Thursday's action across the pond and has picked out three horses to consider backing from Sunland Park this evening.

Read on for his US horse racing tips for tonight along with his reasoning for these selections...

Today's US Racing Odds

19:15 Sunland Park (Race 3) - Awesome Bid @ SP

The class dropping Finglas Lad (3) is probably the one to beat. He was overmatched in a starter event last month. Prior to that, he was a clear-cut winner when like now facing claiming company. He has speed and these short sprint distances suit him.

Trainer Sherry Armstrong is having a very fine meet. She is double-handed here. Playing Field (2) came back to form when a close up third against a field of New Mexico breds in late January.

He can go well if his rider can work a trip just off the speed. His stablemate Awesome Bid (4) seems to draw better. He ran his best race for some time when a half a length second over course and distance three weeks ago. Jockey Luis Negron who is far better than his record at this meeting suggests keeps the ride.

It would be interesting to know if jockey Francisco Amparan has got off Playing Field (2) to ride Desert Danger (1). He ran his best race for some time when a staying on fourth over four-and-a-half furlongs last month.

21:49 Sunland Park (Race 9) - Aztec Sun @ SP

Fleet of Flags (1) was a winner over six furlongs here last month. He broke well and made all. This is a different test but he seems to have the speed to run his race in an abbreviated sprint. His rail draw can be an advantage with such a short run to the turn. Onefortheditch (2) finished less than a length behind him. He made a dangerous looking run in mid stretch, suggesting four-and-a-half furlongs may suit him fine.

Blazing to Gold (4) won a claimer in a fast time when shortened up to five furlongs last month. He is a lightly-raced three-year-old who may be capable of better.

The year older Aztec Sun (6) may have price appeal. He looked an improved performer running first time for his trainer in January. He was ridden with confidence so may be better than that three-length victory over a less than stellar field suggests.

Beer Money (10) is a player off a clear cut victory at Turf Paradise in January.

22:15 Sunland Park (Race 10) - Champs Money @ SP

Feist (3) improved off his debut to run second to a big class dropper in a similar event last month.

He goes for a bang in form trainer and there may be better to come from him. Having some speed in a pretty paceless affair helps his chances. Champs Money (8) finished behind him but hopped badly at the start. He did make significant late headway to run his best race to date. As he’s worked well since that race, there may be better to come from him.

He gets the vote with go to rider for the trainer Alfredo Juarez Jr. now taking the ride.

Two of these caught the eye in another maiden claimer run on the same day as the selection. Rail Runner (4) and Desert Watch (12) both were involved in significant crowding out the gate. Both made up a ton of ground late after being detached early on. Rail Runner (4) ran the better but Desert Watch (12) is unexposed. The pair are well worth considering.

Rig It Right (9) ran his best race to date when third in a maiden claimer over a mile in January. If he can reproduce that form cutting back in distance, he can go close.

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Paul Quigley is a long-time US racing fan and tipster. He provides US Horse Racing Tips for Betfred Insights as well as working for Betfred TV...