Suva Harbor disqualified as heavy favorite in Island Fashion Stakes

Suva Harbor finished first in the $50,000 Island Fashion Stakes at Sunland Park on Sunday but was disqualified and placed eighth for an incident in the first turn and the move elevated runner-up Rousanne to first. The race served as the final local stepping-stone to the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks on March 22.

Suva Harbor was the 2-5 favorite in the Island Fashion after winning two of her last three starts in Southern California. She raced in third into the first turn of the one-mile stakes, but drifted in an incident that impacted some of her rivals. Suva Harbor proceeded to move to the lead down the backside, and after taking over through a half-mile in 47.24 seconds and increasing her advantage following six furlongs in 1:10.86, she went on to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:38.20.

Rousanne rallied from sixth to finish 2 3/4 lengths behind Suva Harbor. Rousanne paid $26 after being placed first. Ry Eikleberry rode Rousanne for Teed Off Stable and trainer Justin Evans. Synkros was elevated to second and We Need Art was placed third.