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

Our US Racing expert Paul Quigley is back and previews Thursday's racing from across the pond.

Below you can find his US Racing tips for Thursday April 3, as well as the reasoning behind his selections...

19:50 Sunland Park (Race 2) - Z Marks the Spot @ SP

Z Marks the Spot (5) came back to form after a trainer change in February. The five year old won a similar race to this one over course and distance. He won by two lengths from a real short sprint specialist. This looks a deeper race but he looks capable of doubling up.

Like the selection, Awesome Bid (3) and Monarchos Dream (6) goes for a trainer having a super meet. Awesome Bid (3) hasn’t added to Sherry Armstrong’s tally but he has gone close in his last two starts. The shorter distance today may suit.

His stablemate Monarchos Dream (6) comes off two fine efforts in abbreviated distances, winning in February.

Finglas Lad (1) has good speed. With a short run to the turn, the rail drawn runner could run big. He had Awesome Bid (3) behind him when losing by a nose in a claimer over five furlongs last month. He’s a possibility along with Lonzo Who (2).

He’s never raced over this distance before. The speed he showed when he won over five and a half furlongs suggests it won’t inconvenience him.

20:40 Sunland Park (Race 4) - Time Is Precious e/w @ SP

A few of these fillies and mares are on winning streaks. Pretty Peppy (3) made it back to back victories when beating Lil Miss Cassie (8) on her return last month. This is a tougher spot but she is in career form.

Like her, Awesome Walker (4) and Sierra Blanca (5) were also winners last time out. The first named is a wire to wire chance. Sierra Blanca (5) has been freshened up since rattling up a hat-trick. She has an adaptable running style and is a player in an open looking race.

Blue Blazes Who (2) won in a fast time at Zia Park in December. She may be all the better for her comeback. Marquis Lights (9) had a tricky draw when second to Awesome Walker (4) last month.

She is one for a big short list here. So too are class droppers No Regrets N Love (1) and Time Is Precious (6). The last named has been overmatched in her two starts at this meet. Now she is in a spot she can contend in.

She may be the best closer in a race choc-full of speed. Even over five furlongs, she may be able to reel the pacesetters. She is now ridden by Luis Negron who gives everything a ride.

21:57 Sunland Park (Race 7) - Lookatherglide @ SP

This may be less competitive than the numbers suggest. Big Hopes (1) has not looked a natural stayer over a mile in her last two starts. The last time she ran in a sprint, she ran second over course and distance.

The winner was far from disgraced in a much better race next time. Her stablemate Lookatherglide (8) finished half a length behind her. She showed bright speed and kept on well once headed. Her jockey has more tactical options now drawn towards the outside. She may be worth siding with.

In many ways, Advance (6) is the most interesting runner in this race. She looked very professional when winning on her career debut last month. Interestingly, her connections skip a condition as she is eligible for ‘non-winners of 2’ races.

There may be better to come from her. It's a Girl (9) and Comforts Jazel (4) are exposed but have some upside. The first named may be set for peak effort on her third run back after a lay off. Comforts Jazel (4) is a bit slow but can pass horses late on. If the early fractions are contested, she may be a late player.

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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...