SUNLAND PARK, NM—MARCH 16, 2019—The excellence of Major Bites shined brightly on Saturday as he sped away to another brilliant victory in the $85,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap(RG3) at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

The leading older New Mexico-bred Quarter Horse pulled away from a high quality field in the 350 yard feature and won confidently by three parts of a length.

Jockey Hector Aldrete rode the 2-1 second favorite for winning trainer Jimmy Guerra. The six-year-old gelded son of Jesse James Jr. had placed in both the Championship at Sunland Park (Gr. I) and the Dona Any County Stakes this season. He was at the top of his game today and rattled through the 350 yards in a fast :17.485 seconds, good for a 91 speed index into the 3 mph headwind.

The prolific stakes star won five stakes races last year including the 2018 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap. He earned $51,000 by defending his title in the New Mexico-bred restricted stakes. Major Bites has 11 wins from 29 starts for owner Israel Bordier.

Carlos Paez bred the bay gelding from the Major Rime mare Dyna Mo Rime. After picking up $51,000 for today's wins, his career bankroll now exceeds $771,000. He returned a generous $6.40 to win.

17-1 long shot Magnifico Dragon ran a bold race to get second place, but was no threat to the winner. The runner-up completed a $1 exacta worth $43.70. The won of multiple stakes sire Zulu Dragon was ridden by Mauro Salcedo for trainer Cynthia Gonzalez and owner Daniel Balderrama. Heriberto Moreno bred the sorrel gelding from the Magnificence mare Cassies Mag. The graded stakes winner earned $17,000 to bring his earnings total to $375,072.

Marcus Medallion, winner of the Dona Ana County Stakes, wound up in third place beaten one and one-half lengths. Also a son of leading New Mexico sire Jesse James Jr, the sorrel gelding races for owner Karina Aldavaz and is conditioned by Jaime Aldavaz, Jr. Jaime Leos was aboard the Carl Jason Bailey New Mexico bred from the Mr Houston mare Houstons Medallion. Also a stakes winner, Marcus Medallion earned $8,000 for the effort to bring his earnings total to $141,968.

Moon River finished in fourth followed by the 2-1 favorite Cd Mamas Boy, Daddys Blushing, Jesse Lane, Regard The Rose and Mr Klee. Bigg Daddy and Calle Me Brad were both scratched.

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The post-position draw for the 2019 $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) happens on Sunday, March 17 live in the turf club starting at noon. Post-positions and morning line odds for the finalists will be assigned. Sunland Derby (Gr. III) day including the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks is Sunday, March 24. The stakes filled undercard features over $1.5 million in purses.

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:50 p.m.