Thermal scores in Johnie Jamison Handicap

Thermal advanced three wide on the turn and kicked clear in the stretch for a 2 1/2-length win in Sunday’s $85,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap at Sunland Park. Shining Source rallied for second in the Jamison, which was for 3-year-olds and up bred in New Mexico. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back in third to Song of Laura.

Thermal ($8) sat just off the pace set by Song of Laura, who was pressured through an opening quarter in 22.59 seconds and a half-mile in 45.90. Thermal advanced around the final turn, struck the front in the stretch, and went on to cover 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:16.23. Trainer Todd Fincher said he was pleased to see Thermal be able to run his race Sunday. “This horse has had nothing but bad trips this past year,” he said, adding things were different Sunday. Fincher said Thermal had a clean trip and also benefited from a “beautiful” ride by Alfredo Juarez, Jr. Thermal races for his breeder, R.D. Hubbard. He was winning his third career stakes race Sunday. Thermal has now won 8 of 27 starts and $409,145.

My Bikini Fell Off prevails by neck. My Bikini Fell Off was up for a neck win over Hurricane Hush in the $85,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back in third to My Dandy Girl. The race was for fillies and mares bred in New Mexico. My Bikini Fell Off ($11.20) settled in fifth as Woodacouldadid took the field through fractions of 22.57 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.32 for the half-mile. My Bikini Fell Off came rolling through the stretch to cover six furlongs on a fast track in 1:11.06. Ry Eikleberry rode the winner for Brian Mundell and trainer Bart Hone. Following the race there was a claim of foul against runner-up Hurricane Hush by Alejandro Medellin, the rider of third-place finisher My Dandy Girl, concerning the start of the race. It was disallowed by the stewards and the order of finish stood. My Bikini Fell Off was winning her second career stakes race in the New Mexico Racing Commission. Overall she has won 6 of 14 starts and $227,114.