Ridden by Federico Martinez, Love Ta Fly wins the $50,000 West Texas Juvenile Invitational by a neck at Sunland Park on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

SUNLAND PARK, NM–APRIL 6, 2024–Love Ta Fly remains unbeaten from her first two starts after winning the $50,000 West Texas Juvenile Invitational on Saturday afternoon at Sunland Park.

The sorrel filly, who won her trial heat with the second fastest time to the Juvenile, had Jockey Federico Martinez back aboard for the 300-yard win in the final. The duo, after being bumped at the start, still managed to clock a 101 speed index in :15.081 seconds crossing the wire first by a neck over Makin Him Famous.

The $24,250 winner's share of the purse increases Love Ta Fly's lifetime earnings to $29,590. The very minor upset paid $8.60 to win on 3-1 odds. Trainer Robi Meche saddled the daughter of Furyofthewind.

The winning connections of Love Ta Fly accept the $50,000 West Texas Juvenile Invitational trophy at Sunland Park on Saturday. © Coady Photography

Current owner Corner Stone Stables, lead by Luis Alvarez, bought Love Ta Fly for $38,000 in last year's Heritage Place yearlings sale. Copper Springs Ranch bred the multiple winner in New Mexico out of Lovethewayyoulie by Tempting Dash. She is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner and new track record setter Love The Way You Fly.

Runner-up Makin Him Famous, with Sergio Becerra Jr in the irons, got off with a slow start but rallied up for second best. Yet to break his maiden, the son of Kvn Corona has placed second in two starts with $10,780 in the bank.

Trainer Eric Valenzuela conditions Makin Him Famous for Cream Of The Crop Inc. Breeder McColee Land and Livestock LLC of Utah, sold the bay gelding to his current owner for $30,000 in the 2023 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. He is out of the One Famous Eagle mare Famous Little Reba.

Razor Sharp, piloted by Jose Enriquez, placed third a neck behind Makin Him Famous. Trained by Eric Valenzuela, the daughter of Tempting Dash has one win and one third with $10,480 from two starts.

Owner Ron Sugamosto purchased Razor Sharp for $67,000 in last year's Heritage Place Yearling Sale. The sorrel filly was bred in Missouri out of Lady Bellaqua by Mr Jess Perry.

Perry Pax A Punch, Space Cowwboyy, Fiona Is Toxic, Mrs Fancy Girl, Bluffn You and Cali Ann Te round out the order of finish.