SUNLAND PARK, NM—DECEMBER 16, 2017—Robert D. Smith's graded stakes winner Play Misty Foreme defeated graded winner Major Bites by half-a-length Saturday afternoon in the $85,000 Jess Burner Memorial Handicap(RG1) at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Yudes Jess Dashing finished 1-¼ lengths back for third.

Coming off a second-place effort to Major Bites in the $170,000 New Mexico Cup Quarter Horse Championship at Zia Park October 29, Play Misty Foreme turned the tables today by completing the 400 yards in :19.067 seconds, a 102-speed index.

Jockey Jose Enriquez had the riding call aboard Play Misty Foreme for trainer Jose Muela. MJ Farms bred the Jesse James Jr gelding from the Blushing Bug mare Arbor Mist, the 4-year-old has compiled a (20) 7-3-2 record and today's winners' purse worth $51,000 boosted the 4-year-old's earnings to $283,266.

A game second, Major Bites picked up $18,700 for his effort to bring his earnings mark to $246,712. Trainer Jesus Carrete conditions the Jesse James Jr 4-year-old for owner Israel Bordier.

Jose Montoya had the riding assignment aboard the Carlos Paez New Mexico-bred from the Major Rime mare Dyna Mo Rime.

Justin Joiner saddled third-place finisher Yudes Jess Dashin for himself and Bryant Scott. Felipe Garcia-Luna rode the Jess A Chicks 3-year-old out of Baby Doll Dash by Dash Easy. Bred by Mike Abraham, Yudes Jess Dashin earned $8,500 for his effort.

5-2 favorite Running Dragon suffered her first defeat at Sunland Park in 7 career starts. She hopped at the start and was never in contention.

Completing the field were Big Spurs, Seeyalateralligator, Cinco Menudos, Mite Man, Carson City Girl, Magnifico Dragon and Running Dragon.

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. The $85,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap (8th race) starring Diabolical Dame and the $85,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap (9th race) starring Forger and Citizen Geller are the feature races.