Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Easily Bella Csj earns minor upset score in 14th running of $90,000 Sunburst Stakes
Easily Bella CSJ picked up the first stakes win of her career Sunday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, getting to the finish line in the nick of time to win the 14th running of the $90,000 Sunburst Stakes under jockey Jacob Enriquez.
Trained by Julian Rey Honesto for owner Christian Dominguez-Olivas, the New Mexico-bred filly by Bella Faccia broke alertly from the starting gate in the 350-yard dash. She was challenged for the lead from start to finish by her next door neighbor in the gate, My First Luv and jockey Brian Barraza. Those two battled to the line with Easily Bella CSJ winning by a nose in a final time of 17.09 seconds.
The 3-year-old filly improves her lifetime record to three wins from eight career starts. She was last seen at Zia Park last November winning an allowance race. Prior to that, she was a well-beaten eighth in the New Mexico State Fair Futurity last October at Albuquerque Downs. Sunday’s win in the Sundance Stakes pads her lifetime earnings to more than $145,000.
Sent off at odds of 5.40-to-1, Easily Bella CSJ returned $12.80 to her winning backers. My First Luv held on for the place, prompting a $2 exacta payoff of $142.60. One Oh Too finished third with Boot Scootin Mama rounding out the top four finishers.
Post time favorite BV Bridgette Cartel didn’t have a visible excuse from the starting gate but failed to fire her best shot for trainer Ramon Mendoza, finishing off the board under Sergio Becerra, Jr.
Live racing action continues Thursday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino with a nine-race card which is scheduled to begin at 12:25 P.M.
