 Tommie
Morelos / Coady Photography
Desert Hennessy wins $110,000 Albert Dominguez
Memorial Handicap and becomes the meet’s first two-time stakes
winner
Sunland Park, NM - Jan. 1, 2012 - Desert Hennessy fended off all
challengers for red hot trainer Joel Marr to take a driving win in
the $110,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap at Sunland Park
Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.
Under a measured ride from Joe Martinez, Desert Hennessy held off
stable mate Cross Chris Run by three parts of a length to win his
second straight stakes race of the young meet. The strapping son of
Desert
God won the $110,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap at six and
one-half furlongs on Dec. 11. Desert Hennessy made his first attempt
at a route distance a winning one. He won the one and one-sixteenth
mile feature over 11 New Mexico-breds in a time of 1:43.78. The
victory was the sixth in his career of only eight starts. The
four-year-old gelding is owned by Cleber Massey of Abilene, Texas.
First prize money in the feature was $66,000.
Martinez guided his to mount to victory following a stalking path.
The duo settled comfortably on the outside before taking command in
upper stretch. Desert Hennessy found more energy in deep stretch and
held firm on the lead. The 5-2 second favorite paid $7.00 to win.
His career bankroll has swelled past the $278,000.
Cross Chris Run made an energetic stretch run despite racing wide on
both turns. The $180,000 New Mexico Classic Cup winner at Zia Park
was a formidable foe on Sunday and nearly overcame a 6-wide path on
the far turn. The third place finisher from the Jamison Handicap
poured on the pressure late but came up just short. The runner-up
was ridden by Ken Tohill and also owned by Cleber Massey. Cross
Chris Run earned $22,000 for his efforts.
35-1 long shot Brother John D. responded eagerly for jockey Miguel
Fuentes and finished a solid third. He was beaten nearly 3 lengths.
Joel Marr trained runners finished first, second and fourth in the
Dominguez Memorial. His Attitude E Racer closed determinedly to get
fourth. Marr won the 2011 Dominguez Handicap with Desert Gamble. The
high powered trainer also won yesterday’s $110,000 Red Hedeman Mile
with That’s Who. He saddled 3 winners on Sunday.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m.
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