Pavel (#9) gets up over Row By Row (#8) and Samuri (#5) in the $354,522 West Texas Futurity(G2) at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.

© Coady Photography

SUNLAND PARK, NM—APRIL 6, 2024—Fastest qualifier Pavel overcame a slow start to catch Row By Row at the wire in Saturday's restricted Grade 2 $354,467 New Mexican Spring Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.

Ridden by jockey Luis Martinez, Pavel completed the 300 yards in :15.030 seconds, earning a 103 speed index with a 30 mph tailwind. He picked up his second win in three starts while defeating Row By Row by a head.

Bed in Mexico the son of Czar Cartel Mv, a brother to leading sires Pyc Paint Your Wagon and Ivory James, races for owner-trainer Jorge Luis Sanchez, Jr. Bred by MRB Racing LLC, the Pavel earned $166,626 to boost his bankroll total to $174,666.

Trainer Fred Danley named jockey Noe Garcia, Jr. to ride runner-up Row By Row for owner J and SM, Inc. The $60,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate is a son of leading New Mexico sire Big Daddy Cartel from the Woodbridge mare Anakena. MJ Farms bred the $70,354 earner.

The winning connections of Pavel accept the New Mexican Spring Futurity stakes trophy at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. © Coady Photography

A neck back in the blanket-finish Samuri earned $38,997 for third. Adrian Ramos had the ridding call on the El Damazo gelding racing for owners Scott Branson and Jimmy Vazquez.

Jesus Rodan, Jr. conditions the 2-year-old out of Asian Brook by Brookstone Bay. Bred by Randy and Lina Schalla, Samuri has earned $46,087 in three career starts.

Bv Bridgette Cartel, Suspicious Jess, Leftie, Fast Copy King and Jbp In Red. Jett Black Rocket and Purple Queen were scratched.

Pavel (#9 gets up over Row By Row (#8) and Samuri (#5) in the $354,522 West Texas Futurity(G2) at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.  

Closing day Sunday will be highlighted by five stakes races with purse money totaling $650,000. The featured event, the $200,000 Sunland Park Handicap, features defending champion and 8-to-5 morning line favorite Mine That Star facing a field of six rivals in the 1 1/8 mile event. First post time for the closing day program is 12:25 p.m.