Jd Baccarat pulls clear to win $50,000 KOFX-Radio Handicap

Jd Baccarat showed his class by pulling clear in the final stages to win the $50,000 KOFX-Radio Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

The former Higheasterjet Stakes winner was let go a 7-1 odds despite racing for the elite barn of Paul Jones. The five-year-old son of Mr Jess Perry responded with a terrific effort under jockey Ricky Ramirez. The sorrel gelding broke well and contended for the lead throughout the 350 yard dash. He propelled to the front with a powerful move in the final 75 yards to seal to victory. Jd Baccarat beat Zulu Dragon by a neck in a fast time of 16.88 seconds with no wind blowing. The timing earned a 96 speed index.

The 7-time winner earned a $30,000 paycheck for the syndicate of Cope, Herzog, Southway, Hubbard and Masterson. His career bankroll swelled past $239,000. Loyal backers of Jd Baccarat received $16.40 on a $2 win ticket.

Last season’s West Texas Maturity runner-up Zulu Dragon once again had to settle for a close second place finish. Under jockey Larry Gamez, the well bred stallion by First Down Dash rallied after a bumpy start and was rolling in deep stretch. The stakes winner from Zia Park rallied gamely but could not get by the winner.

Sunland Park Winter Quarter Horse Derby runner-up Tres Seis Nieve finished a good third, beaten only a half length. Kr Dragonfly, A Spring Snow, Teller More Bourbon, Time For A Cigar, Corona for You and One Diamond Kitty rounded out the order of finish.

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. There will be a special live racing card on Thursday, January 31. No live racing takes place on Sunday, February 3 (Super Bowl Sunday).